Celebrating the Hands that Feed the Nation: DDS-KVK Honours Women Farmers on Women Farmers’ Day

Agriculture is often described as the backbone of the Indian economy, but behind every thriving farm are the hands, knowledge, and determination of women who sow seeds, nurture crops, conserve biodiversity, and sustain household food and nutrition security. Yet, their contributions often remain underrecognised. Celebrating these women and bringing their achievements into the spotlight was the spirit of Women Farmers’ Day at DDS–Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

Making Farming Easier: Technology That Works for Women

For many women farmers, a day in the field means hours of physically demanding work, often involving repetitive tasks and considerable physical strain. Reducing this burden requires more than appreciation; it calls for practical solutions that make agricultural work safer, easier and more efficient. A key highlight of the programme was the exhibition of women-friendly, drudgery-reducing agricultural tools available at DDS-KVK. The exhibition introduced farm women to appropriate technologies designed to ease labour-intensive agricultural operations and reduce physical strain.

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Recognising Women as Farmers and Decision-Makers

The celebrations also created a platform to reflect on the wider challenges women face in agriculture, particularly the need for equal opportunities, access to resources, and recognition of their contributions.

Dr. C. Vara Prasad (Senior Scientist and Head, DDS-KVK) emphasised the importance of women’s participation in agricultural development. He encouraged women farmers to take a leading role in agriculture and highlighted the need to strengthen their capacities through continuous training, technical guidance and access to improved technologies.

Drawing attention to gender equality, M. Hemalatha (SMS Home Science), referred to India’s position in the Global Gender Gap Report 2026, in which the country ranked 131st among 145 countries. She stressed the need for continued efforts to bridge gender gaps and expand women’s access to agricultural resources, opportunities, technologies, and institutional support. She further emphasised that women should not be viewed merely as agricultural labourers, but recognised as farmers, decision-makers, knowledge holders, and entrepreneurs. She also highlighted the importance of promoting suitable agricultural tools to reduce drudgery among women farmers.

G. Shailaja (SMS Horticulture) highlighted women’s significant role in crop production, horticulture, vegetable cultivation and other agricultural activities. She underlined the importance of technical training and continued support in strengthening their skills and livelihoods.

Sri Vidyanath Reddy (Assistant Director of Agriculture) appreciated DDS-KVK’s efforts to empower farm women through training programmes, technical guidance, and agricultural development initiatives. He acknowledged the importance of institutional support in improving women farmers’ knowledge, skills, and livelihood opportunities.

Sri Shiva Prasad (District Agriculture Officer) emphasised that agriculture cannot function effectively without women’s contributions. He also encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming practices to protect human health, maintain ecological balance, and promote sustainable agricultural production.

Honouring Women’s Achievements

The highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of 14 women farmers for their contributions to seed conservation, organic farming, mixed cropping, millet-based entrepreneurship, traditional healthcare practices, and addressing women’s legal issues. Their achievements reflected the diversity, knowledge, and resilience of rural women in promoting sustainable agriculture and community development. Successful women farmers also shared their experiences, inspiring others through their dedication, traditional knowledge, and innovative efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods.

A Celebration of Achievement and Collective Strength

The programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, adding a joyful note to a day dedicated to recognising women’s achievements. A total of 147 participants attended the programme, including 93 women farmers, 27 male farmers, 25 Department of Agriculture officials, representatives from DDS-KVK, and two distinguished guests. Their participation reflected a collective commitment to recognising women’s contributions and advancing their role in agricultural development.

Beyond the celebrations, Women Farmers’ Day served as a reminder that women’s empowerment is essential to the future of agriculture. When women have access to suitable technologies, scientific knowledge, training, resources, and opportunities, they can strengthen farm productivity, preserve biodiversity, develop sustainable enterprises, and improve household nutrition.

At DDS-KVK, the celebration reaffirmed the importance of placing women farmers at the centre of agricultural development—not only by acknowledging their hard work, but also by supporting their aspirations, valuing their knowledge, and enabling them to lead.

When women farmers are recognised, supported, and empowered, the benefits extend far beyond the farm. They strengthen families, sustain biodiversity, nourish communities, and help build a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural future.