The ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, in collaboration with KVK Ri Bhoi celebrated National Women Farmers’ Day on 15 October 2026 at M.S. Swaminathan Hall, with the participation of more than 100 women farmers. The programme highlighted the contributions of women farmers to agricultural development and emphasized the importance of recognising their role in building a stronger and more self-reliant agricultural sector.
Dr. Md. Mokidul Islam, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Ri-Bhoi, delivered the welcome address. He highlighted the significance of National Women Farmers’ Day and this year’s theme, “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.” He underscored the vital contributions of women farmers to agricultural development and the need to recognise their role in the progress of the agricultural sector.
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Chief Guest, Smt. Balakyntiew Umbah, President of the Ri-Bhoi Area Welfare Association (RAWA), encouraged women farmers to take pride in their work and not feel discouraged or undervalued because of their occupation. She emphasized that farmers play an indispensable role in society by producing the food that sustains individuals and communities. She particularly acknowledged the dedication of women farmers, who balance agricultural activities with household responsibilities and family care. She urged them to recognise the importance of their contributions to their families and society at large.
Dr. Pankaj Baiswer, Director-in-Charge, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, emphasized the importance of creating greater awareness among farmers about various government schemes. He highlighted the need to familiarise farmers with improved farming practices and technologies, along with training in the use of farm management tools for efficient agricultural production. He also stressed the importance of encouraging women farmers to take up agripreneurship to generate income, strengthen their livelihoods, and achieve greater financial independence. Furthermore, he underlined the need to sensitise male farmers to women’s empowerment and foster a supportive environment in which women can actively participate in agricultural decision-making and entrepreneurial activities.
An interactive session was also organised, providing women farmers with an opportunity to raise their concerns and share their needs. The participants highlighted the need for improved-quality seeds to achieve better yields. They also requested access to agricultural machinery from ICAR at subsidised rates, emphasising the importance of making quality seeds and farm equipment more accessible to farmers.
Following the interactive session, progressive women farmers were felicitated in recognition of their achievements. The participants were also provided with vegetable seeds, including the field pea variety IPFD 19-3, biofertilisers, and useful agricultural literature to support and enhance their farming activities.
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