The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is organising a national-level celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 on 15 October 2026. The event will be held at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The observance aims to recognise the substantial role women farmers play in India’s agricultural system and their contribution to building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
This year’s celebration aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and coincides with the International Day of Rural Women, established by the UN General Assembly in 2007.
Key facts
- Event date: 15 October 2026
- Venue: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
- Theme: “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India”
- Women constitute 59.8% of the total workforce in agricultural activities as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (January–December 2025)
- Celebrations also taking place across states, union territories, Extension Education Institutes, SAMETIs and MANAGE
- Each venue will have participation of 50-100 women farmers alongside officials and extension workers
- 2026 declared International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations
Why women farmers matter in India’s agriculture
Women are deeply embedded in India’s agricultural value chain. They participate in activities ranging from sowing and transplanting to harvesting, livestock management, seed conservation and natural resource management. Beyond these direct roles, women farmers contribute through value addition activities, preservation of traditional agricultural knowledge, biodiversity conservation and adoption of sustainable farming practices. These contributions strengthen rural livelihoods and build resilience in the agricultural sector.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey conducted by the National Sample Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, women made up 59.8% of the total workforce engaged in agricultural activities during January to December 2025. This demonstrates the centrality of women’s labour to India’s food production system.
Theme and focus for 2026
The theme chosen for this year’s Mahila Kisan Diwas reflects a broader vision: linking women farmers’ leadership directly to India’s development goals. The emphasis is on how women can drive agricultural progress through adoption of modern technologies, crop diversification, improved livestock management, natural resource conservation and creation of agriculture-based enterprises. By connecting women’s empowerment to national development objectives, the observance underscores that agricultural advancement depends on enabling women farmers to access resources, technology and institutional support.
Who will participate and what will happen
The national event will bring together outstanding women farmers from different states and union territories, alongside women agricultural officers and extension functionaries. This mix creates space for recognising achievements, sharing successful practices and encouraging greater leadership of women in agriculture.
The celebration is being observed not only in New Delhi but across states and union territories, including Extension Education Institutes, State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institutes (SAMETIs) and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). At each location, organisers are hosting 50 to 100 women farmers alongside elected representatives, scientists, extension workers and other stakeholders. Special effort has been made to ensure participation of women farmers from tribal regions.
Role of women agricultural officers and extension workers
The department acknowledges that women agricultural officers and extension functionaries play a crucial connecting role between agricultural research institutions and farming communities. These professionals help disseminate scientific farming practices, promote adoption of modern technologies, provide training and raise awareness about government schemes and benefits. This link between research and practice directly helps farmers improve their techniques and livelihoods.
What this means for you
If you are a woman farmer or work in agricultural extension, this celebration provides formal recognition of your contributions to India’s food security and rural economy. The emphasis on equal opportunities and improved access to modern technology and resources signals policy focus on removing barriers women face in agriculture. The observance also sends a message that government institutions are committed to strengthening women’s participation and leadership in the sector.
For citizens and consumers, the recognition and support for women farmers has implications for agricultural productivity, sustainability and rural prosperity. When women farmers have better access to technology, training and resources, overall agricultural output improves and farm-based rural economies become stronger.