Key Highlights
- President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global Conference on Women in Agri‑Food Systems (GCWAS‑2026) in New Delhi on 12 March 2026.
- The summit emphasized expanding female involvement across every segment of the agri‑food value chain, from cultivation to marketing.
- Women now constitute over half of the enrolment in state agricultural universities, with some campuses exceeding 60 % female scholars.
- The United Nations proclaimed 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, urging worldwide policy support.
- Key organizers include TAAS, ICAR, CGIAR, and PPV&FRA, representing both national and international expertise.
Detailed Insights
Addressing the opening session, President Murmu underscored that women engage in nearly all agricultural activities—seed sowing, crop harvesting, post‑harvest processing, logistics, as well as ancillary sectors such as fisheries, apiculture, livestock management, and forest‑based enterprises. She cited recent enrollment statistics indicating that female students dominate agricultural higher‑education institutions, often achieving superior academic outcomes.
The conference convened policymakers, researchers, and global NGOs to deliberate on legislative frameworks and institutional mechanisms that can foster gender‑responsive agrarian development. Participants explored actionable strategies to secure equitable access to land, credit, technology, and leadership positions for women throughout the food system.
In line with the UN’s designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the gathering called for coordinated international efforts to bridge gender gaps, enhance resource distribution, and amplify women’s voices in decision‑making bodies.
Key Concepts
- Gender‑Inclusive Agriculture: An approach that ensures women and men have equal opportunities, rights, and responsibilities in all agricultural processes.
- Agri‑Food Value Chain: The sequence of activities—from input supply and production to processing, distribution, and consumption—where women’s participation can be measured and enhanced.
- International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026: A UN‑declared thematic year aimed at spotlighting women’s contributions to farming and advocating for supportive policies globally.
- Policy Framework: Structured governmental or institutional guidelines designed to promote gender equity, resource access, and capacity building in the agricultural sector.