National celebration in New Delhi recognises women farmers’ contributions to agricultural value chains, sustainable farming and rural livelihoods; women accounted for 59.8% of India’s agricultural workforce in 2025

Key Highlights

• National event: Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 will be celebrated on October 15 at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
• Theme: “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India.”
• Workforce participation: Women constituted 59.8% of the workforce engaged in agricultural activities during January–December 2025, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey cited by the government.
• International recognition: 2026 has been declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations.
• Focus areas: Modern agricultural technology, crop diversification, livestock management, natural resource conservation and agriculture-based enterprises.
• Nationwide participation: Celebrations will involve women farmers, agricultural scientists, extension workers and officials across States and Union Territories, with particular emphasis on women farmers from tribal regions.

Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 to Recognise Women’s Contribution to Indian Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is organising the national-level celebration of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 on October 15 at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.

The event will recognise women farmers’ contributions to agricultural production, rural development and sustainable farming, while highlighting their role in the broader vision of Viksit Bharat. The observance coincides with the International Day of Rural Women, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

This year’s theme, “Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India,” focuses on women’s leadership in modernising agriculture, diversifying farm activities, conserving natural resources and developing agriculture-based enterprises.

The government’s announcement comes as women continue to play a substantial role across agricultural value chains, from sowing and harvesting to livestock management, seed conservation, resource management and value addition.

Women Account for 59.8% of India’s Agricultural Workforce

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey conducted by the National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, women accounted for 59.8% of the workforce engaged in agricultural activities between January and December 2025.

Their contributions extend beyond field operations to include the preservation of traditional knowledge, biodiversity conservation, adoption of sustainable farming practices and development of rural enterprises.

The declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations adds a global dimension to efforts to recognise women’s role in agrifood systems and improve their access to resources, technology and institutional support.

The Mahila Kisan Diwas programme will bring together women farmers from States and Union Territories, women agricultural officers, extension functionaries and officials from DA&FW. Participants will have opportunities to share successful practices, discuss challenges and highlight approaches to strengthening women’s participation and leadership in agriculture.

Celebrations are also being held across States and Union Territories, Extension Education Institutes, State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institutes (SAMETIs) and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). Each venue is expected to involve 50–100 women farmers, alongside elected representatives, scientists, extension workers and other stakeholders. Special emphasis has been placed on participation by women farmers from tribal regions.

Technology, Diversification and Rural Entrepreneurship in Focus

The 2026 observance highlights several areas in which women farmers can contribute to agricultural development and stronger rural economies.

These include adopting modern farming technologies, diversifying crops, managing livestock, conserving natural resources and developing agriculture-based businesses. Women agricultural officers and extension workers are also expected to play an important role by connecting scientific research with farming communities, delivering training and communicating information about government schemes.

Improved access to technology, training, finance and markets can help women-led farming and rural enterprises expand beyond primary production into processing, packaging and other value-added activities.

Impact on Hospitality, Food Processing and Tourism

1. Opportunities for women-led food enterprises

Women’s participation in agriculture-based enterprises can create opportunities in food processing, regional products, dairy, pickles, preserves, spices, millets and other value-added foods. Hospitality businesses may find opportunities to source distinctive regional ingredients and products from women-led producer groups, subject to quality, volume and supply requirements.

2. Stronger local sourcing for hotels and restaurants

Women farmers contribute to the production of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and other food ingredients. Stronger institutional support and market connections could help hospitality operators build relationships with local producers, diversify procurement and highlight seasonal or region-specific ingredients.

3. Rural tourism and culinary experiences

Women-led farm enterprises, traditional food production and local culinary practices can contribute to rural tourism experiences. With suitable infrastructure and market access, these activities may support farm visits, regional food trails, cooking demonstrations and community-based tourism initiatives.

4. Value addition across the food supply chain

Greater access to training, technology and enterprise support could help women farmers move into post-harvest handling, processing and packaging. These activities are relevant to food manufacturers, caterers and hospitality procurement teams seeking reliable suppliers of locally produced and value-added products.

5. Sustainability and traditional food knowledge

Women’s roles in seed conservation, biodiversity and natural resource management can support the preservation of traditional crops and food practices. For chefs and hospitality businesses, these resources may offer opportunities to showcase local ingredients and regional culinary heritage while supporting more sustainable sourcing practices.

Industry Takeaway

Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 brings attention to women’s contribution across India’s agricultural and food value chains. For hospitality, food processing and tourism businesses, the opportunity lies in building stronger connections with women farmers and women-led rural enterprises through local procurement, value-added products and community-based experiences. Turning this potential into sustained commercial and social benefits will depend on reliable market access, quality standards, infrastructure and continued access to skills, technology and finance.