President Murmu Addresses Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems

The Honorable President of India Droupadi Murmu has addressed the inaugural session of the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri Food Systems. This Conferences was held (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi on March 12 2026. This conference focuses on strengthening women’s participation in agriculture and promoting gender inclusive development in the agri-food sector.

GCWAS 2026 Conference and Its Purpose

The Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) is aims to highlight the role of women in building sustainable agricultural systems and strengthening gender equality in farming.

This conference brings together policymakers, researchers, agricultural experts and international organizations.

This event focuses on discussing policy frameworks and institutional support systems that can encourage greater participation of women across the agri-food value chain.

President Murmu Highlights Women’s Contribution to Agriculture

While addressing the GCWAS-2026 conference President Murmu noted that women are involved in almost every stage of agricultural production.

Their work range from sowing seeds and harvesting crops to processing and transporting agricultural produce to the markets.

She also highlighted the contributions of women in fisheries, beekeeping, animal husbandry and forest-based livelihoods.

Increasing Women Participation in Agricultural Education

The President also point out the growing presence of women in agricultural education.

According to available data the girls account for more than 50 percent of students in state agricultural universities.

And many institutions the figure exceeds 60 percent.

She emphasised that these students often perform exceptionally well academically.

United Nations Declaration: International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026

During the conference addressed President Murmu mentioned that the United Nations has declared 2026 as the ‘International Year of the Woman Farmer’

This global recognition aims to address gender gaps and strengthen the leadership of women in agriculture.

The declaration calls for collective international efforts to promote equal opportunities, access to resources and leadership roles for women across agri-food value chains.

Organizers of GCWAS-2026

The GCWAS-2026 conference is jointly organised by several leading national and international institutions working in agricultural research and plociy dvelopments.

The organisers include are,

Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPV&FRA)

Question

Q. The Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) was held in which city?

A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad