New Delhi, 11 March (H.S.): A three-day Global Conference on Women's Participation in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026), from March 12–14, will be inaugurated tomorrow by President Droupadi Murmu at the ICAR Convention Centre, spotlighting women's contributions to agriculture.

High-Profile Inauguration and Key Participants

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will attend the opening session as guest of honour, while Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi will grace the valedictory. The event is jointly organized by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CGIAR, and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority.

Broad Participation and Objectives

ICAR Director General Dr. M.L. Jat stated over 15 national and international organizations are co-organizers and knowledge partners, with more than 700 participants including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, progressive women farmers, startups, and students from India and abroad. The conference aims to mainstream women's participation through policy roadmaps, strengthen ecosystems, and highlight their vital role in building sustainable, inclusive agri-food systems.

Leadership and Esteemed Speakers

Dr. Renu Swarup, Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, chairs the event, with Dr. Rajbir Singh, ICAR Deputy Director General (Extension), as co-chair. Key speakers include Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Founder and Chair of Connect4Impact; Dr. Soumya Swaminathan; World Food Prize winner Dr. Shakuntala H. Thilsted; and NISRD Director Dr. Nitya Rao.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar