Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 10 March 2025
The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North and Middle Andaman, marked International Women’s Day with enthusiasm, celebrating the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The event recognized the vital contributions of women in agriculture, rural development, and self-reliance, while advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
Dr. V. Damodaran, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK N&M Andaman, inaugurated the program, emphasizing the indispensable role of women in agriculture and food security. He underscored the need for skill development, entrepreneurship, and policy support to empower women in the sector.
The event featured interactive sessions and knowledge-sharing discussions led by subject matter specialists. Mr. Rakesh Dawar (SMS Agronomy) spoke on sustainable farming practices for women farmers, while Mr. Subam Debroy (SMS Aquaculture) highlighted women’s roles in fisheries and integrated farming systems. Mr. Yatharth Sharma (SMS Home Science) conducted a session on value addition, food processing, and nutritional security for women and children. Er. Manoj Kumar (SMS Agricultural Engineering) stressed the significance of farm mechanisation and post-harvest technologies in reducing drudgery for women, advocating for gender-friendly tools and machinery.
Adding inspiration to the event, successful women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Group (SHG) members shared their journeys of overcoming challenges and achieving economic independence through agriculture-based enterprises.
The program, organized under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, witnessed active participation from farm women, SHGs, and rural entrepreneurs. A total of 32 women and men attended the event, reaffirming the commitment to women’s empowerment in agriculture.