ICAR-CIWA facilitated the on-line participation of women farmers in the Mega Event “Agri-Startup Conclave and Kisan Sammelan”

In the view of the National Significance of the event, the webcast of Agri-Startup Conclave and Kisan Sammelan was organized by ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar on 17th October, 2022 to facilitate the on-line joining of women farmers for seeing the mega event. The inaugural session of the programme was graced by Shri Ramchandra Ransingh, Corporator, Baramunda of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation as the Chief Guest. At the outset, the Director of the Institute Dr. Sabita Mishra welcomed all the Delegates and participants to the programme. She also sensitized the farm women about the significance of 'Agri Start-up Conclave Kisan Sammelan Program'. The Chief Guest during his inaugural remark signified the importance of women farmers in agricultural development and appreciated the role of the Institute in gender mainstreaming and women empowerment. During the event, the progressive women farmers shared their views and expressed their gratitude towards Govt. schemes and policies for strengthening their livelihoods. The programme offered a platform for the women farmers of Odisha to listen to the PM-address and virtually see the mega-event. During the live webcast, the women farmers got an exposure of the latest breakthrough agricultural innovations, agri-startup ventures and new Govt. initiates like One-Nation One Fertilizer Scheme. Nearly 250 farmwomen from the Institute’s adopted villages participated in the event. The programme also comprised of Farmers’-Scientists Interface to update the farm women on sustainable agriculture techniques, crop varieties and farm management. The programme ended with a formal vote of thanks offered by Dr. Jyoti Nayak, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer of the event.