Srinagar, 16 April (H.S.): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday underscored the pivotal role of women farmers in sustaining the global food system, stating that without their contribution “every plate would be empty,” while calling for greater recognition, resources and policy focus on women-led development during IFFCO’s Women Farmers Conference in Srinagar.

LG Sinha said, “Without women farmers, every plate would be empty, leaving humanity starved. They sustain the world, work harder than their male counterparts and their strength anchors food security, planting seeds of prosperity for families and society in every field. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, women’s empowerment is the top priority across all sectors.”

The Lieutenant Governor said that the global food system rests on women’s labor, yet it excludes them from prosperity.

He urged every cooperative, government stakeholder to ask, what challenge or barrier in women farmers’ lives can be eliminated immediately? By removing them one by one, we can honor their leadership and enrich society and the nation through direct market access, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the Women Farmers Conference, organised by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) at Srinagar.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the contributions of women farmers in agriculture and allied sectors, the efforts of women Agri-entrepreneurs, and emphasized developing Agriculture sector under their leadership.

The Lieutenant Governor said that the UN General Assembly has fittingly declared 2026 the International Year of Women Farmers, which was a long-awaited dream.

“I view International Women Farmers Year 2026 as a historic opportunity, proclaiming women as creators, not mere laborers, in agriculture’s growth. Prioritize women farmers in every scheme. I trust 2026 will sincerely recognize women’s roles in agriculture and allied sectors, fulfilling their aspirations,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon technology innovators to prioritize technical tools for women farmers.

He stressed that the agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and dairy departments must allocate resources to women farmers, while financial institutions design loan products enabling landless women farmers to access credit in their names.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar