ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar organized National Commission for Women, New Delhi sponsored 3 days residential Capacity Building Program on ‘Gender Sensitive Nutri-smart Organic Agri-Practices and Digital Innovations for profitable Agri-preneurship’ during 9-11 December 2024. The training programme aimed to improving the skills of farmwomen for agri-entrepreneurship. It also focused on providing a complete guidance on value chain development in agriculture, strengthening women farmer’s institutions for women-led agri-enterprises. A total of 53 progressive women farmers & budding entrepreneurs from 11 districts of Odisha (Baleswar, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Khordha, Puri & Sundargarh) participated in the Training Programme.
The program was inaugurated on 9 December 2024 by Dr. Archana Majumdar, Hon’ble Member, National Commission for Women, GoI, New Delhi as the Chief Guest. Dr. Archana Majumdar emphasized that entrepreneurship requires a collective effort and institutional support, along with access to quality training, funding opportunities, marketing networks, the use of technology through e-commerce platforms, and innovative strategies to connect products with the right customers. Dr. Mridula Devi, Director, ICAR-CIWA highlighted that the feminization of agriculture has positioned rural women as key drivers of economic, environmental and social transformation for sustainable development. Women’s empowerment not only supports sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth but also promotes gender equality and social cohesion. Increased leadership roles for women strengthen food systems, benefiting families and communities. The Director also expressed ICAR-CIWA’s commitment for improving livelihoods and fostering entrepreneurship among farm women, who play a vital role in the sustainability of the agri-food system.
Dr. R. C. Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agril. Edu.), ICAR, New Delhi, Chaired the valedictory function and delivering presidential address on 11 December 2024. He emphasized the pivotal role of ICAR-CIWA in fostering agri-preneurship through the value addition of agricultural produces. He stressed on the relevance of such training programs in both personal and professional settings. Hon’ble DDG also suggested that ICAR-CIWA should take initiative in innovative packaging and online marketing of value added products prepared by the entrepreneurs. Mrs. Bijaya Barwa, Retd. Additional S.P, Govt. of Odisha, Guests of Honour of the program highlighted that the safety and security of women and children in the country is the utmost priority. She also sensitized the participants that through Cyber Crime Helpline the victims can get immediate assistance against online financial fraud.
The subject expert faculties from ICAR-CIWA, Regional Centre of Organic and Natural Farming, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, ICAR-IIWM, ICAR-NRRI, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology and Agri-Marketing, Govt. of Odisha delivered lectures on the various topics related to challenges for rural start-ups, Government programmes and policies to empower women led start ups, important start up sectors in agriculture, productive environment for agribusinesses, linking start up to market, core competence and skill development initiatives and awareness about e-commerce & e- marketing of agriculture products. During this training program 11 progressive farmwomen involved in different enterprises were identified and felicitated with Kushal Mahila Udyamee Award.
Read more: https://icar-ciwa.org.in/index.php/fortabevents/696-ncp-cbpt
