Women Farmers' Mahotsav Concludes in Assam with Focus on Empowerment
The three-day Women Farmers' Mahotsav, organized to commemorate the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF-2026), successfully concluded on Thursday at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU) in Jorhat. This significant event ran concurrently with the 36th Annual Horticulture Show and Competition, creating a vibrant platform for agricultural excellence and female entrepreneurship.
Event Highlights and Participation
Held from February 10 to 12, the festival witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 500 farmers and numerous nurseries. Participants showcased their expertise across a wide array of categories, demonstrating the diversity and richness of agricultural produce in the region.
- Fresh produce including vegetables, fruits, and flowers
- Specialty items like spices, mushrooms, and medicinal plants
- Value-added products such as jams, jellies, sweets, and snacks
- Processed foods including pickles, chutneys, salads, and cakes
The horticulture show provided an exceptional opportunity for women farmers and entrepreneurs to display their skills, innovations, and agricultural products while fostering networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among participants.
Leadership Perspectives on Women's Empowerment
AAU Vice-Chancellor Bidyut Chandan Deka emphasized the crucial role of such events in promoting women's empowerment and economic independence. "The Mahotsav was specifically organized to advance women's empowerment and self-reliance," Deka stated. "When women achieve financial independence, they contribute significantly not only to their families but also to the comprehensive development of our nation."
Deka actively encouraged women to take prominent roles in entrepreneurial and agricultural activities, highlighting their indispensable contribution to both the agricultural sector and rural economy.
Sanjay Kumar Chetia, Director of Research (Agriculture), underscored the importance of women's decision-making autonomy for societal advancement. "Authentic progress for society and the nation becomes achievable only when women can make independent decisions," Chetia remarked. "We must strengthen women's economic self-sufficiency starting from the grassroots level to ensure sustainable development."
Competitive Spirit and Entrepreneurial Showcase
The competitions across various categories saw enthusiastic participation, with women farmers demonstrating remarkable expertise in both traditional farming practices and modern agricultural techniques. The value-added products displayed at the event particularly reflected the entrepreneurial spirit and creative ingenuity of women in transforming basic farm produce into marketable, value-enhanced goods.
- Traditional farming methods preservation
- Modern agricultural technique implementation
- Value-added product development
- Market-oriented production strategies
Significance for India's Agricultural Landscape
This event represented a substantial step toward recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women farmers, who constitute a significant portion of India's agricultural workforce yet frequently remain underrepresented in mainstream agricultural discourse. By providing visibility and platforms for skill demonstration, such initiatives help bridge the acknowledgment gap while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The Women Farmers' Mahotsav not only celebrated agricultural achievements but also reinforced the critical role women play in food security, rural development, and economic growth across India's agricultural landscape.
