ICAR–Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR–DWR), Jabalpur, celebrated Women Farmers’ Day on 15 October 2026 with the participation of 80 farmers, including 72 Mohila Kisan, from Khukham, Ranipur, Ragad Padariya and Beohari Padariya villages under the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) and Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). Dr. Shivangi and Dr. Simernpreet Kaur from the World Resources Institute (WRI) attended as special guests.
Dr. P. K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist and PI, FFP, welcomed the participants and highlighted the vital contributions of women to agriculture and rural livelihoods. Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, emphasized their role of women farmers in various agricultural operations. Technical sessions by Dr. J. K. Soni, Scientist on weed management in coming rabi crops and Dr. Surabhi Hota, Scientist on Natural Farming covered sustainable agricultural practices and government schemes benefiting women farmers.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director, ICAR–DWR, emphasized women’s indispensable role in Indian agriculture, food and nutritional security, and the realization of Viksit Bharat and Viksit Krishi. The participating farmers also visited demonstration units on biological control of aquatic weeds, the Open Top Chamber climate research facility, weed management in direct-seeded rice, and the Directorate’s Technology Park. Dr. Archana Anokhe, Scientist, ICAR–DWR, proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Deepak Pawar, Dr. S. I. Kuwarwadra, Dr. Sreekanth and Dr. Jamaludheen A., Scientists, ICAR–DWR.