Droupadi Murmu on Thursday emphasised the need to increase women’s participation in policymaking and leadership in the agriculture sector while addressing the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi.
Highlighting the vital role played by women in agriculture, the President said women are involved in almost every stage of agricultural activity, from sowing and harvesting to processing and marketing of crops.
She added that women also make significant contributions in fisheries, beekeeping, animal husbandry and forest-based livelihoods.
“Women in the agriculture sector should get a greater role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions,” President Murmu said, noting that increased participation would help promote gender-inclusive agricultural growth.
Growing Participation of Women in Agricultural Education
President Murmu pointed out that women’s participation in agricultural education is increasing steadily. According to her, girls constitute more than 50 per cent of students in state agricultural universities, and in many institutions their share is over 60 per cent.
She also noted that female students consistently demonstrate strong academic performance.
The President stressed that governments, institutions and society must support and encourage young women to take leadership roles in agriculture and agri-food systems.
Changing Perceptions About Women’s Roles
Calling for a change in traditional thinking, President Murmu said society must move beyond outdated perceptions regarding women’s roles.
“Leadership is inherent in motherhood. However, motherhood is often considered to be confined within the home. We must overcome this mindset and empower women farmers to provide leadership,” she said.
Global Focus on Women Farmers
The President highlighted that the United Nations has declared 2026 as the ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’, aimed at promoting gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership in agri-food value chains worldwide.
She said India is advancing with the vision of women-led development, and greater participation of women in agriculture will play a crucial role in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Addressing Challenges Faced by Women Farmers
President Murmu also underlined the need to address key challenges faced by women farmers, including:
- Limited land ownership rights
- Restricted access to modern technology
- Lack of financial resources and institutional support
She noted that several initiatives in recent years have helped empower women farmers, particularly through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
“These initiatives have been effective in strengthening women’s participation and empowerment in agriculture,” she said.
Gender Inclusion Important for Sustainable Development
Referring to the global development framework that balances People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnerships, the President emphasised that gender equality must remain a key priority.
She expressed confidence that the conference would help identify effective policy strategies to enhance women’s participation in building sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.
Conference Organised by Key Agricultural Institutions
The three-day conference is being jointly organised by:
- Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
- Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority
The conference aims to strengthen policy frameworks, promote gender mainstreaming in agriculture and recognise the critical role women play in agri-food systems globally.
