ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture celebrated its 29th Foundation Day on 17 February 2024. Dr. R.C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agril. Edu.), ICAR, New Delhi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Dr. Bimlesh Mann, ADG (EP & HS), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. P. K. Roul, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar and Dr. Aparajita Choudhary, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar were the Guests of Honour. Besides, there were many other dignitaries from ICAR, SAUs and NGOs who attended this auspicious function. The Director of the Institute, Dr. Mridula Devi welcomed all the delegates and highlighted the significant achievements of the Institute including technology certification and commercialization, patent design registration and extension models, etc. for more productivity on national priority. The Director also highlighted the role of ICAR-CIWA in empowerment of farmwomen through ‘SASHAKTI Krushirat Mahila Club’. Dr. Bimlesh Mann, ADG (EP & HS), ICAR appreciated ICAR-CIWA as a unique and premier Institute for empowering women in the field of agriculture. She further focused upon scientific packaging and branding of different products prepared by SHGs/FPOs. Again, she highlighted about the importance of real database for policy recommendation. Dr. P. K. Roul, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, OUAT emphasized on transformation of conventional agriculture towards smart agriculture. He also highlighted the social enterprise through collective approach which can strengthen the livelihoods of farm women.
Dr. Aparajita Choudhary, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, suggested for conducting research on work life balance of farm women for their better lifestyle. She expressed her desire for more collaboration with ICAR-CIWA through short term internship programmes. In addition, inauguration of Food Extrusion Unit, Mushroom Unit and Bio-Resource Production Unit were done by the Dignitaries. A Scientists-Farmers Interface was also organized in which queries of farm women were answered by the Experts Team of ICAR-CIWA. Twenty five progressive farm women from different adopted villages were awarded for their noteworthy contribution. About 300 farmwomen from the adopted villages of different districts of Odisha and 240 students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bhubaneswar were participated in the programme. This programme was coordinated by Dr. Sabita Mishra, Principal Scientist and Dr. Tanuja S, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar.
Read more: https://icar-ciwa.org.in/index.php/fortabevents/664-ciwa-fd2024
