Mahila Kisan diwas on AICRP women in agriculture at EEI, PJTAU, R.Nagar on 15.10.25

Agriculture plays a dynamic role in the Indian economy with over 70.0% of rural families relying on agriculture, contributes about 17.0% to total GDP and provides employment to over 60.0% of the population. Women comprise a major workforce in Indian agriculture. They play multi-dimensional role in agriculture and allied sectors. According to FAO, women participate in 48.0% of agriculture-related employment in India with around 7.5 crore women are actively involved in livestock management. As per Census 2011, of the total female workforce, 55.0% were agricultural labourers and 24% were cultivators. But, only 12.8% of operational holdings were owned by women reflecting the age-old gender disparity in ownership of landholdings in agriculture The rural women often manage complex households and pursue multiple livelihood strategies that include producing agricultural crops which include sowing, nursery management, transplanting, weeding, irrigation, fertilizer application, plant protection, harvesting, winnowing and storing grain along with tending animals, processing and preparing food at home, collecting fuel and water, engaging in trade and marketing, caring for family members and maintaining their homes. Most of these activities do not fall under the category of “economically active employment”. There is growing rural to urban migration of men resulting in ‘feminisation’ of agriculture sector with increasing number of women participating in multiple roles as cultivators, entrepreneurs and labourers. Every year, 15th October is celebrated as “Mahila Kisan Diwas” to celebrate the contribution of women to agriculture. The theme for Mahila Kisan Diwas 2025 is "Empowering Women Farmers for a Prosperous Nation". Another related theme used for some events was "Empowering Women, Enriching Agriculture". Both themes focussed on acknowledging and enhancing the crucial role of women farmers in Indian agriculture for national prosperity and agricultural development. The event was participated by Dr. R. Neela Rani, Unit Coordinator, Scientists Dr. Jessie Suneetha W, Dr. G. Swaroopa Rani, Dr. Swetha Kodali and Dr. Lakshmi Challa along with farm women from adopted villages. On this occasion women farmers were exalted for their immense contribution to agriculture and its allied sectors at AICRP – WIA, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Also, they later participated in brain storming session on role of women in agriculture at EEI, PJTAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad and later AICRP on Women in Agriculture participated in exhibition relating to agriculture and allied sectors. Drudgery reducing devices and income generating activities were showed cased for the benefit of participants.