In a keynote address at the first edition focusing on the Women in Agriculture Value Chain,
H.E. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to India, said: "we are very excited by this collaboration with WFP in India on women in agriculture, building on the global partnership between Norway and WFP. The Government of Norway has actively engaged in improving preparedness and climate adaptation among the most vulnerable communities, including smallholder farmers, especially women farmers."
Ms Elisabeth Faure, Representative and Country Director for WFP in India, said: "these discussions come at a crucial time as the Government of India deliberates on a comprehensive development vision. India's commitment to empowering women farmers is clear through targeted schemes and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. We hope the symposia's recommendations will strengthen efforts towards gender equity, women's empowerment, and sustainable, food-secure communities."
Mr Y.R. Meena, Additional Commissioner (Mass Media), Department of Agriculture and Farmer's Welfare, said: "the Government is committed to doubling farmers' income by 2030, for which it has significantly reached out to women farmers through inclusive policies and schemes. The Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) or Women Farmer Empowerment Programme, for example, integrates incentives for natural farming from pre-production to post-production, with active participation of women's self-help groups."
Several experts made interventions and presentations around women's diverse roles across the agriculture value chain, from various aspects of crop production to processing and marketing. They explored the multiple issues and challenges associated with women's participation in the agriculture value chain, current initiatives to strengthen their involvement, and success stories or best practices of such interventions.
The speakers included Dr Ranjitha Puskur, Module Leader-Evidence, CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform, IRRI, Mr. Manish Bhatia, Director (Extension/Administration), National Gender Resource Center in Agriculture, DA&FW, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Ms Sejal Dand, Executive Director, ANANDI, member, MAKAAM, and rural women.
