HYDERABAD, OCTOBER 15, 2026: The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, organised National Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 on the theme “Role of Women Farmers in Building a Developed Agriculture and a Developed India” at Krishi Chanakya Auditorium, MANAGE, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, on Thursday.
Dr. Veenita Kumari Menon, Deputy Director General, MANAGE, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the event. The event celebrated the vital contributions of women farmers in Indian agriculture, recognising their role in driving agricultural development, strengthening rural livelihoods, and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation towards Viksit Krishi and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Veenita Kumari Menon, Deputy Director General, MANAGE, highlighted the Government of India’s commitment to addressing farmers’ needs through various schemes, programmes and missions, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. She encouraged farmers to access these schemes and avail themselves of the benefits, particularly those who may be unaware of them. Several other missions are also being implemented, including initiatives relating to oil palm and edible oils, which also benefit women farmers.
She highlighted the Namo Drone Didi initiative and the contributions of Krishi Sakhis to natural farming. She also noted that digital mobile applications can help farmers use technology in agricultural activities. As India moves towards Viksit Bharat 2047, women farmers were encouraged to focus on value addition, food processing and entrepreneurship to enhance their incomes. She stressed the importance of accessing state, national and export markets by ensuring product quality and obtaining the necessary certifications.
Women entrepreneurs from Telangana, Goa, Gujarat, Odisha and Nagaland shared their achievements in agriculture and allied sectors. Their initiatives included beekeeping and honey production, rice noodle manufacturing, food processing, catering, natural farming, agricultural training and millet-based food enterprises. Their experiences highlighted how women are creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening rural enterprises through their work across these sectors.
Mrs. Trishavanti Sanjana, a farmer entrepreneur from Telangana, shared her experience in beekeeping and honey production, highlighting how the enterprise can promote women’s skill development and entrepreneurship. She emphasised that maintaining product quality, gradually expanding the customer base and seeking guidance from experienced professionals were key to building a profitable business. She established her honey enterprise using her savings and also provides free training to women farmers and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).
The programme also witnessed sessions on “Voices of Women Farmers – What Agriculture Development Means to Me” and “My Ask from Developed Agriculture”, which provided a platform for women farmers to share their priorities and expectations. The Kisan Samwaad, titled “Aapke Sawaal, Hamare Samaadhaan”, facilitated discussions on farmers’ concerns and possible solutions. The event also featured a presentation of the “10 Key Voices/Priorities of Women Farmers”, highlighting their experiences, needs and aspirations for agricultural development.
The event concluded with women farmers and entrepreneurs sharing their experiences of how government initiatives have supported their efforts in natural farming and other agricultural activities.
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