Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 to Highlight Women Farmers’ Role in Viksit Bharat

Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 to be celebrated on 15 October 2026 to commemorate the contribution of women farmers to Indian agriculture and development. The national-level celebration will be organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The celebration will coincide with the International Day of Rural Women. It will be held as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 as declared by the United Nations.

Theme of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026

The theme of Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 is “Role of Women Farmers in Developing Agriculture and Developed India.”

This theme is meant to pay tribute to the contribution of women farmers towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by virtue of modern technologies in agriculture, diversified farming, livestock management, sustainable use of natural resources and agriculture-based enterprises.

Women farmers from different States and Union Territories, women agricultural officers, extension workers and officials of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will attend the national-level programme.

Importance of Mahila Kisan Diwas

Women contribute significantly to the agricultural supply chain in India. They engage in activities such as sowing seeds, planting and transplanting crops, harvesting, rearing of livestock, conserving seeds, management of natural resources and processing of agricultural produce among others.

Women farmers also contribute through traditional knowledge about agriculture, conservation of biodiversity, sustainable agricultural practices and rural entrepreneurship. Women’s contribution to the sector can improve livelihoods, boost agricultural resilience and ensure sustainable food production.

In the information provided by the government, females accounted for 59.8% of the total agricultural workforce in January – December 2025 according to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by National Statistical Office under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

This figure illustrates the importance of women’s contribution in agricultural sector employment. It is worth noting that acknowledging the contribution of women raises awareness about the need for improved access to productive assets, agricultural technologies and markets.

International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026

The United Nations has announced 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). The event creates an international forum to acknowledge the women farmers’ contribution to the agrifood system and promote their empowerment.

Women play their roles in food production, rearing of livestock, conservation of resources, and agriculture-based enterprises. However, their access to resources and opportunities may be uneven. The event stresses the need to improve women’s access to technology, finance, education, markets and institutions.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer also supports the goals of Mahila Kisan Diwas through recognizing women’s contributions to the agricultural sector in the context of food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

International Day of Rural Women: History

The International Day of Rural Women is celebrated on 15 October every year. The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Rural Women in 2007 in recognition of the indispensable role and contribution of rural women, including Indigenous women, in agricultural and rural development, food security, and poverty eradication.

The day highlights the economic and social contributions of rural women and the obstacles that they face in accessing resources. The celebration of the day in tandem with the Mahila Kisan Diwas highlights the significance of women’s participation in the Indian agricultural and rural economy.

Role of Women Agricultural Officers and Extension Functionaries

Women agricultural officers and extension workers serve as an important link between agricultural research and farming communities. They impart knowledge about scientific agriculture, training, modern technology, and information about government schemes in agriculture.

Their efforts could prove useful in the adoption of new practices by the farmers, dissemination of appropriate information, and improvement in the productivity of farms. Increased involvement of women in agricultural extension services will also aid in increasing their participation in agricultural decisions.