Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 Marked at Ambedkar Centre, Delhi

Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 was observed on 15 October 2026 by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA and FW) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The programme was chaired by Atish Chandra, Secretary of the Department, and was held to recognise what women farmers contribute to Indian agriculture.

The theme

The theme for the year was Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India. It points to the part women play in raising agricultural productivity, spreading sustainable farming practices, conserving natural resources and adding to rural prosperity.

What happened at the event

• Outstanding women farmers were felicitated for their achievements in agriculture and allied sectors, and for their dedication, resilience, innovation and leadership in rural enterprise.
• A book titled Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success was released. It gathers success stories of women farmers and their path from struggle to achievement.
• Progressive women farmers, women agricultural extension workers and functionaries from the States and Union Territories took part, along with senior officers of the Department.
• Several participants addressed the gathering and spoke of their own experience, the difficulties they met and what they have achieved.

What the Secretary said

In his address the Secretary dwelt on the contribution of women to agriculture and allied sectors, particularly in securing food, sustaining rural livelihoods, managing natural resources and driving agricultural growth. He set out the ways in which the Government works to empower them: direct income support, affordable institutional credit, transfer of technology, skill development, farm mechanisation and better access to agricultural marketing infrastructure.

Beyond Delhi

The day was observed not only in the capital. States and Union Territories marked it, as did the Extension Education Institutes, the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institutes and MANAGE, with women farmers and other stakeholders joining in. Special emphasis was placed on the participation of women farmers from tribal areas.

The Minister message

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote that women farmers are the backbone of Indian agriculture, and named the cadres that have grown around them: the Drone Didi who sprays crops, the Krishi Sakhi who trains farmers in farm practices, the Bank Sakhi who connects them to banks, and the Pashu Sakhi who works in animal husbandry and milk production. He added that Kisan Didis are carrying processed produce to consumers through Farmer Producer Organisations, and said the women of the country will be decisive in realising self-reliant agriculture and Viksit Bharat @2047.