Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare press release · 11 March 2026 · pibtracker filter

New Delhi to Host Groundbreaking Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) from 12–14 March 2026

PRID2238318 MinistryMinistry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Released11 March 2026 Reading13 min

President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate GCWAS–2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will Grace the Event GCWAS–2026 will help promote gender-responsive policymaking, technological innovation, and inclusive agricultural development- Dr. M. L. Jat Posted On: 11 MAR 2026 4:59PM by PIB Delhi Addressing a press conference at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, informed that a three-day Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) will be organised from 12-14 March 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi.He further stated that the conference will be formally inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Dr. Jat also informed that the Inaugural Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as the Guest of Honour.The Valedictory Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, who will attend the programme as the Chief Guest. Giving further details about the event, he said that the pivotal event is jointly organised by Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences ( TAAS ), Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR ), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, ( CGIAR ), and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority ( PPV&FRA ). The conference has garnered widespread support, with over 15 national and international bodies participating as Co-organisers and Knowledge Partners and an equal number of sponsors. Dr. M. L. Jat said that the programme is taking place during the UN-declared 'International Year for Women Farmers ' in 2026.The conference theme, "Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights," is perfectly aligned with the global focus on women farmers. The event anticipates a diverse gathering of over 700 participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development professionals, women farmers, start-ups, and students from India and around the world. The primary goal is to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks and ecosystems to mainstream gender participation and highlight the indispensable role of women in building sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. It may be noted that the conference is being curated under the esteemed guidance of Chief Patron Dr Raj S. Paroda , Chairman of TAAS, alongside Patrons Dr M.L. Jat , Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr T. Mohapatra , Chairperson, PPV&FRA and Dr Ismahane Elouafi , Executive Managing Director, CGIAR. The Conference Chair is Dr Renu Swarup , former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Co-Chair is Dr Rajbir Singh , DDG (Ag. Extension), ICAR. A stellar line-up of national and international thought leaders will address the conference. Eminent speakers include Dr Agnes Kalibata , Founder and Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group; Dr Bram Govaerts , Director General, CIMMYT; Dr Soumya Swaminathan , Chairperson, MSSRF; Dr Shakuntala H. Thilsted , World Food Prize Laureate, Dr Nitya Rao , Director, NISD, Norwich, UK, Dr Nicoline de Haan , Director of Gender and Youth Accelerator Platform, ILRI, Kenya, among many others. The three-day programme is structured around a series of in-depth technical sessions. Highlights include- Interface with Global Women Trailblazers : A session dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories of women leaders and scientists. Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion : Focused on integrating gender-sensitive approaches into agricultural policies and institutions. Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion : Examining entrepreneurship, financial models, and market linkages to strengthen women's roles in value chains. Technology for Transformation : Deliberations on digital tools, climate-smart innovations, and women-friendly technologies designed to boost productivity and reduce drudgery. The conference will also host dedicated forums, including a Women Farmers’ Forum to address grassroots challenges and a Youth Forum to engage and network the next generation of agri-food leaders. In conjunction with the discussions, an exhibition will showcase women-oriented technologies, interventions, and policies. The exhibition will also provide a vital platform for women-led entrepreneurs and start-ups to display their innovations and products. The GCWAS-2026 aims to produce a set of actionable recommendations, compile global best practices, and outline a clear roadmap for the future. The outcomes are expected to significantly contribute to the development of gender-responsive policies, foster technological innovations, and promote truly inclusive agricultural development. ***** RC/MS/DK (Release ID: 2238318) Visitor Counter : 2075 Read this release in: Urdu , हिन्दी , Gujarati , Tamil Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare New Delhi to Host Groundbreaking Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) from 12–14 March 2026 President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate GCWAS–2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will Grace the Event GCWAS–2026 will help promote gender-responsive policymaking, technological innovation, and inclusive agricultural development- Dr. M. L. Jat Posted On: 11 MAR 2026 4:59PM by PIB Delhi Addressing a press conference at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, informed that a three-day Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) will be organised from 12-14 March 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi.He further stated that the conference will be formally inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. Dr. Jat also informed that the Inaugural Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as the Guest of Honour.The Valedictory Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, who will attend the programme as the Chief Guest. Giving further details about the event, he said that the pivotal event is jointly organised by Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences ( TAAS ), Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR ), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, ( CGIAR ), and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority ( PPV&FRA ). The conference has garnered widespread support, with over 15 national and international bodies participating as Co-organisers and Knowledge Partners and an equal number of sponsors. Dr. M. L. Jat said that the programme is taking place during the UN-declared 'International Year for Women Farmers ' in 2026.The conference theme, "Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights," is perfectly aligned with the global focus on women farmers. The event anticipates a diverse gathering of over 700 participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development professionals, women farmers, start-ups, and students from India and around the world. The primary goal is to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks and ecosystems to mainstream gender participation and highlight the indispensable role of women in building sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. It may be noted that the conference is being curated under the esteemed guidance of Chief Patron Dr Raj S. Paroda , Chairman of TAAS, alongside Patrons Dr M.L. Jat , Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr T. Mohapatra , Chairperson, PPV&FRA and Dr Ismahane Elouafi , Executive Managing Director, CGIAR. The Conference Chair is Dr Renu Swarup , former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Co-Chair is Dr Rajbir Singh , DDG (Ag. Extension), ICAR. A stellar line-up of national and international thought leaders will address the conference. Eminent speakers include Dr Agnes Kalibata , Founder and Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group; Dr Bram Govaerts , Director General, CIMMYT; Dr Soumya Swaminathan , Chairperson, MSSRF; Dr Shakuntala H. Thilsted , World Food Prize Laureate, Dr Nitya Rao , Director, NISD, Norwich, UK, Dr Nicoline de Haan , Director of Gender and Youth Accelerator Platform, ILRI, Kenya, among many others. The three-day programme is structured around a series of in-depth technical sessions. Highlights include- Interface with Global Women Trailblazers : A session dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories of women leaders and scientists. Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion : Focused on integrating gender-sensitive approaches into agricultural policies and institutions. Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion : Examining entrepreneurship, financial models, and market linkages to strengthen women's roles in value chains. Technology for Transformation : Deliberations on digital tools, climate-smart innovations, and women-friendly technologies designed to boost productivity and reduce drudgery. The conference will also host dedicated forums, including a Women Farmers’ Forum to address grassroots challenges and a Youth Forum to engage and network the next generation of agri-food leaders. In conjunction with the discussions, an exhibition will showcase women-oriented technologies, interventions, and policies. The exhibition will also provide a vital platform for women-led entrepreneurs and start-ups to display their innovations and products. The GCWAS-2026 aims to produce a set of actionable recommendations, compile global best practices, and outline a clear roadmap for the future. The outcomes are expected to significantly contribute to the development of gender-responsive policies, foster technological innovations, and promote truly inclusive agricultural development. ***** RC/MS/DK (Release ID: 2238318) President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate GCWAS–2026, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will Grace the Event GCWAS–2026 will help promote gender-responsive policymaking, technological innovation, and inclusive agricultural development- Dr. M. L. Jat" /> Addressing a press conference at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) today, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, informed that a three-day Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) will be organised from 12-14 March 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi.He further stated that the conference will be formally inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001WEY7.jpg" style="height:290px; width:602px" /> Dr. Jat also informed that the Inaugural Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, as the Guest of Honour.The Valedictory Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, who will attend the programme as the Chief Guest. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002LSZL.jpg" style="height:386px; width:602px" /> Giving further details about the event, he said that the pivotal event is jointly organised by Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, (CGIAR), and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA). The conference has garnered widespread support, with over 15 national and international bodies participating as Co-organisers and Knowledge Partners and an equal number of sponsors. Dr. M. L. Jat said that the programme is taking place during the UN-declared 'International Year for Women Farmers' in 2026.The conference theme, "Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights," is perfectly aligned with the global focus on women farmers. The event anticipates a diverse gathering of over 700 participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development professionals, women farmers, start-ups, and students from India and around the world. The primary goal is to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks and ecosystems to mainstream gender participation and highlight the indispensable role of women in building sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image0036MBX.jpg" style="height:440px; width:539px" /> It may be noted that the conference is being curated under the esteemed guidance of Chief Patron Dr Raj S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS, alongside Patrons Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, PPV&FRA and Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR. The Conference Chair is Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and Co-Chair is Dr Rajbir Singh, DDG (Ag. Extension), ICAR. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image004OD0U.jpg" style="height:566px; width:483px" /> A stellar line-up of national and international thought leaders will address the conference. Eminent speakers include Dr Agnes Kalibata, Founder and Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group;Dr Bram Govaerts, Director General, CIMMYT; Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF; Dr Shakuntala H. Thilsted, World Food Prize Laureate, Dr Nitya Rao, Director, NISD, Norwich, UK, Dr Nicoline de Haan, Director of Gender and Youth Accelerator Platform, ILRI, Kenya, among many others. <img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image0055AE0.jpg" style="height:514px; width:602px" /> The three-day programme is structured around a series of in-depth technical sessions. Highlights include- Interface with Global Women Trailblazers: A session dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories of women leaders and scientists.Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion: Focused on integrating gender-sensitive approaches into agricultural policies and institutions.Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion: Examining entrepreneurship, financial models, and market linkages to strengthen women's roles in value chains.Technology for Transformation: Deliberations on digital tools, climate-smart innovations, and women-friendly technologies designed to boost productivity and reduce drudgery. The conference will also host dedicated forums, including a Women Farmers’ Forum to address grassroots challenges and a Youth Forum to engage and network the next generation of agri-food leaders. In conjunction with the discussions, an exhibition will showcase women-oriented technologies, interventions, and policies. The exhibition will also provide a vital platform for women-led entrepreneurs and start-ups to display their innovations and products. The GCWAS-2026 aims to produce a set of actionable recommendations, compile global best practices, and outline a clear roadmap for the future. The outcomes are expected to significantly contribute to the development of gender-responsive policies, foster technological innovations, and promote truly inclusive agricultural development. ***** RC/MS/DK " /> var mPlayer = document.getElementById("background_music"); var mPlayAction = document.getElementById("playbutton"); var isPlaying = false; function playAudio() { mPlayer.play(); isPlaying = true; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "none"; } function pauseAudio() { mPlayer.pause(); isPlaying = false; document.getElementById('playA').style.display = "block"; document.getElementById('stopA').style.display = "none"; } //function HandleAudio() { // if (isPlaying == true) { // //Playing already Pause it // pauseAudio(); // } else { // //Play the music // playAudio(); // } //} var synth = window.speechSynthesis; function CleanHtml(html) { html = html.replace(/ /gi, ''); return html; } function stripHtml(html) { let tmp = document.createElement("DIV"); tmp.innerHTML = CleanHtml(html); return tmp.textContent || tmp.innerText || ""; } $(document).ready(function () { //for responsive tables $("table").each(function () { if (!$(this).closest(".table-responsive").length) { $(this).wrap(" "); } }); var width = $(window).width(); if (width $(document).ready(function () { var width = $(window).width(); if (width @media print { .sticky-social, .sticky-social_mb, .pull-right, #printPDF { display: none !important; } } .f_vl { padding-right: 30px; font-size: 17px; cursor: pointer; } .log_oo { // width: 20%; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } .log_oo img { width: 150px; /*width: 100%; height: auto;*/ } .sticky-social_mb { position: fixed; bottom: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; width: 100%; } .social_mb { list-style: none; display: flex; width: 100%; margin-bottom: -8px; } .social_mb a { padding: 8px 0px; font-size: 30px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; width: 20% !important; text-align: center; } .section1 { position: relative; padding: 10px 0px; width: 100%; } .sticky-social { position: fixed; top: 20px; left: 0px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; } .social { list-style: none; } .social a li { padding: 8px 12px; font-size: 25px; transition: all 0.8s ease-in-out; } .social a li:hover { margin-right: -30px; box-shadow: 2px 5px 10px grey; } .social a li:hover .fa { margin-left: 20px; } .fb_b { /* background-color: rgb(59, 89, 152);*/ background-color: rgba(65,103,178,255); } .twitter_r { /* background-color: rgb(29, 161, 242);*/ background-color: #000000; } .whatsapp_r { /* background-color: rgb(77, 194, 71);*/ background-color: rgba(13,191,67,255); } .fa-envelope_r { /* background-color: rgb(219, 68, 55);*/ background-color: #e2123d; } .fa-linkedin_r { background-color: rgb(0, 119, 181); } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 767px) { p span img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } p img { max-width: 90% !important; height: auto !important; } h2 { font-size: 20px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } h3 { font-size: 18px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; } } /* === Film Roll Badge Styling(IFFI2025 countdown) === */ .film-roll-badge { position: absolute; top:82%; right: 20px;

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New Delhi to Host Groundbreaking Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) from 12–14 March 2026

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