The Extension Education Institute (EEI), Southern Region, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas on 15th October 2026 under the theme “Role of Women Farmers in Building a Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.” The programme highlighted the significant contributions of women farmers to agricultural development, food security, rural livelihoods, and the vision of a developed India. The celebration was also held in conjunction with the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, through online participation by ministry officials. The initiative emphasized the recognition of women farmer contributions and the need to strengthen their role through capacity building, access to modern agricultural technologies, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. D. Shireesha, Assistant Professor, EEI, Hyderabad. Dr. B. Savitha, Director, EEI, elaborated on the theme of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026, emphasizing the importance of recognizing women farmers as key contributors to agricultural production and rural development. The theme underscored the need to strengthen women’s access to agricultural knowledge, modern technologies, skill development, entrepreneurship opportunities, and institutional support to enhance their role in transforming Indian agriculture.

Dr. M. Yakadri, Director of Extension, PJTAU, Chief Guest of the programme delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the importance of agricultural extension in reaching women farmers with need-based technologies, scientific information, and capacity-building initiatives. The address emphasized the role of agricultural universities and extension institutions in supporting women farmers through knowledge dissemination, innovation, and improved agricultural practices.

On the occasion, a booklet titled “Women Farmers Success Stories: Inspiring Journey – 2026” and the EEI newsletter covering the EEI activities April to September, 2026 were released. The booklet recognizes the achievements and experiences of women farmers of southern Indian states and serves as a source of inspiration for others to adopt innovative practices and entrepreneurial activities.

The technical sessions covered several important areas for enhancing women’s livelihoods and income. Dr. T. Kamalaja, Professor, Department of Foods and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Saifabad, delivered a talk on “Value Addition in Agriculture for Enhanced Income and Entrepreneurship,” highlighting the relevance of processing, product development, quality improvement, and effective utilization of agricultural produce to create additional income-generating opportunities. Dr. G. Jyothi, Scientist and Head, Floriculture Research Station, SKLTHU, Rajendranagar, spoke on “Commercial Horticulture,” focusing on the potential of horticultural enterprises to diversify farm activities and improve economic returns and valued addition in floriculture illustrating the potential of floriculture-based value addition in creating entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Ms. Jayalakshmi, Proprietor, Onemaali Garden Solutions, delivered a session on “From Flowers to Value: Empowering Women through Value Addition in Floriculture,” She also emphasized the significance of terrace gardening as a practical approach to growing flowers, ornamental plants, and other useful plants in available spaces. The session encouraged women to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in floriculture, innovative gardening practices, and value addition to enhance their economic independence and livelihood opportunities.

The programme also featured addresses by senior officials of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary (Extension), delivered the welcome address online, followed by an address by Dr. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Their participation highlighted the importance of institutional support and extension initiatives in strengthening the contribution of women farmers to agricultural and rural development. A short film on women farmers was also screened to showcase their role and contributions.

Dr. D. Rajini, Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, delivered a talk on “Empowerment of Women Farmers,” addressing the importance of strengthening women’s capacities, improving their participation in agricultural decision-making, and creating opportunities for their economic advancement. The session reinforced the significance of empowering women farmers through vegetable cultivation and entrepreneurial skills.

As part of the celebrations, three progressive women farmers and a farmer scientist were felicitated in recognition of their contributions, followed by an interactive session that provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and insights. The programme concluded with valedictory remarks by Dr. B. Savitha, Director, EEI, and a vote of thanks by Shri B. R. Madhu Shekar, Assistant Professor, EEI, Hyderabad and fifty women farmers participated in the programme.

The celebration reaffirmed the importance of recognizing women farmers as vital partners in agricultural transformation. It emphasized that enhancing their technical knowledge, promoting value addition, encouraging commercial horticulture, and facilitating entrepreneurship can contribute to improved farm incomes, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive agricultural growth in support of the vision of a developed India.