President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday inaugurated the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) at the ICAR Convention Centre in New Delhi, highlighting the crucial role of women in shaping the future of agriculture. The three-day international conference has brought together over 700 participants, including scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs and women farmers from 18 countries.
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who attended as Guest of Honour, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been launched to strengthen women’s participation in governance and development, including 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislatures and 50 percent reservation in local bodies in several states.
Chouhan also highlighted the progress made under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihood Mission, which has mobilised more than 10 crore women through over 90 lakh Self-Help Groups. He noted that nearly three crore women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, earning over Rs 1 lakh annually, while the government aims to economically empower six crore women in the coming years.
President Murmu emphasised that greater participation and leadership of women will be key to strengthening agriculture and ensuring sustainable development. She also welcomed the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The conference will feature technical sessions, policy dialogues and forums focusing on gender equality, technology access and inclusive agri-food systems, while an exhibition will showcase women-led agricultural innovations and enterprises.