Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems to be held in New Delhi from March 12, President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, MARCH 11, 2026

A three-day Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) will be organised from 12–14 March 2026 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Hall, ICAR Convention Centre, NASC Complex, New Delhi, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, scientists and women farmers from across the world to deliberate on strengthening gender participation in agriculture and food systems.

Addressing a press conference at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Wednesday, Dr. M. L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, informed that the conference will be formally inaugurated by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Dr. Jat further stated that the Inaugural Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who will attend the programme as the Guest of Honour. The Valedictory Session will be graced by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annapurna Devi, who will participate in the programme as the Chief Guest.

Providing further details about the event, he said that the pivotal conference is being jointly organised by the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA). The conference has garnered extensive support, with more than 15 national and international bodies participating as Co-organisers and Knowledge Partners, along with an equal number of sponsors.

Dr. M. L. Jat noted that the programme assumes special significance as it is being held during the UN-declared ‘International Year for Women Farmers’ in 2026. The theme of the conference, “Driving Progress, Attaining New Heights,” reflects the global focus on empowering women farmers and recognising their critical contribution to agriculture and food systems.

The conference is expected to witness the participation of over 700 delegates, including scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, development professionals, women farmers, start-ups, and students from India and across the globe. The primary objective of the gathering is to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks and enabling ecosystems that mainstream gender participation while highlighting the indispensable role of women in building sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.

It may be noted that the conference is being curated under the guidance of Chief Patron Dr Raj S. Paroda, Chairman of TAAS, along with Patrons Dr M. L. Jat, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR; Dr T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, PPV&FRA; and Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR. The Conference Chair is Dr Renu Swarup, former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, while Dr Rajbir Singh, DDG (Ag. Extension), ICAR, will serve as the Co-Chair.

The conference will feature a distinguished line-up of national and international thought leaders. Among the eminent speakers scheduled to address the event are Dr Agnes Kalibata, Founder and Chair, Connect4Impact Advisory Group; Dr Bram Govaerts, Director General, CIMMYT; Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF; Dr Shakuntala H. Thilsted, World Food Prize Laureate; Dr Nitya Rao, Director, NISD, Norwich, UK; and Dr Nicoline de Haan, Director of Gender and Youth Accelerator Platform, ILRI, Kenya, among several others.

The three-day programme will be structured around a series of in-depth technical sessions. Key highlights include “Interface with Global Women Trailblazers,” a special session dedicated to sharing inspiring success stories of women leaders and scientists. Another important session on “Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion” will focus on integrating gender-sensitive approaches into agricultural policies and institutions.

The conference will also host sessions on “Empowering Women through Economic Inclusion,” examining entrepreneurship, financial models and market linkages that can strengthen women’s roles in agricultural value chains. A session titled “Technology for Transformation” will deliberate on digital tools, climate-smart innovations and women-friendly technologies designed to boost productivity while reducing drudgery.

Special forums will also be organised during the event, including a Women Farmers’ Forum to address grassroots challenges faced by women cultivators and a Youth Forum aimed at engaging and networking the next generation of agri-food leaders.

Alongside the technical discussions, an exhibition will showcase a wide range of women-oriented technologies, policy interventions and innovations. The exhibition will also provide a crucial platform for women-led entrepreneurs and start-ups to present their products and technological solutions.

The GCWAS-2026 is expected to culminate in a set of actionable recommendations, compilation of global best practices, and the formulation of a clear roadmap for the future. The outcomes of the conference are anticipated to significantly contribute to the development of gender-responsive policies, foster technological innovations, and promote inclusive agricultural development worldwide.