DAJ celebrates Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026

• Highlights women’s contribution to agricultural development

JAMMU: The Directorate of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, today organised Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 here at Kisan Kendra, Farmer Training Centre (FTC), Talab Tillo to recognise the significant contribution of women farmers to agricultural development and promote their empowerment through sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and value addition.

The celebration assumes special significance in 2026, as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The initiative highlights the vital role of women across agrifood systems and underscores the need to strengthen their access to resources, technology, training, markets and leadership opportunities. The observance of Mahila Kisan Diwas reinforces the commitment to recognising women farmers as key contributors to agricultural productivity, food security, rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

The programme was graced by MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta; MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana; Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta; Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed; Director Animal Husbandry Jammu, Dr. Jugal Kishore and Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Jammu, Aman Jyoti Sharma. As many as 200 women farmers from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts, along with officers, officials and departmental staff, participated in the event.

The programme commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries. The guests subsequently visited exhibition stalls set up by women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women’s cooperatives and progressive women farmers, showcasing locally produced agricultural and allied products and highlighting the potential of women-led enterprises in rural economic development.

Deputy Director Trainings Jammu Karuna Nidhi delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of recognising women farmers’ contributions to agriculture and strengthening their participation in modern farming practices, entrepreneurship and income-generating activities. A nukkad natak was presented to sensitise participants about various schemes and initiatives of the Agriculture Department. A documentary showcasing the success stories of women farmers was also screened, highlighting their achievements, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Addressing the gathering, the MLA Jammu West said that the vision of the Prime Minister is to empower women, particularly women farmers, by creating opportunities for economic independence and sustainable livelihoods. He appreciated the commendable work being undertaken by women farmers across Jammu and Kashmir and expressed confidence that, with the active support of the Agriculture Department, the Union Territory would surpass its Lakhpati Didi target by enabling more women to achieve financial independence through agriculture and allied activities.  He stressed that strengthening women-led enterprises and enhancing the value of farm produce would contribute significantly to increasing rural incomes and promoting inclusive agricultural growth.

MLA Nagrota emphasised the need for effective marketing, branding and promotion of locally produced goods prepared by women farmers. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to leverage social media and digital platforms to showcase and market their products, expand their customer base and establish a stronger market presence. She observed that improved market access and product visibility could significantly enhance the income and entrepreneurial prospects of women farmers.

Director Agriculture highlighted the Department’s commitment to empowering women farmers through various government schemes, capacity-building initiatives and entrepreneurship-oriented interventions. He stated that several women were emerging as successful agri-entrepreneurs by availing benefits under departmental schemes and adopting innovative practices in agriculture and allied sectors. He further informed that female field functionaries of the department were actively engaging with women farmers, providing technical training and creating awareness about departmental schemes, scientific farming practices and opportunities for value addition to agricultural produce.

On the occasion, progressive women farmers who have made notable contributions to agriculture and allied activities were felicitated in recognition of their achievements and entrepreneurial initiatives. The awardees included Babli Devi and Neelam Kumari from Samba; Sushma Devi and Renu Sharma from Reasi; Shakti Sharma from Palli, Samba, who has also been recognised as a Lakhpati Didi by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India; Reva Rani from Billawar, Kathua; Jyoti Sharma and Lakshmi Devi from Udhampur; Babli Devi from Bhalwal, Jammu; Simple Devi from Jammu and Taro Devi from Pragwal.

Female field functionaries of the Agriculture Department, including Ashu Jamwal, Shivali, Pooja Andotra, Satvir Kour, Shilpi and Heena Rani, were also felicitated for their contributions to agricultural extension and their efforts to support and empower women farmers at the grassroots level. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Uppwan Koul, SMS-SDL, while the proceedings were conducted by Anjana Mahajan and Pooja Mahajan.