Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIBSM), Raipur, organised an awareness and knowledge-sharing programme on National Women Farmers’ Day on October 15, focusing on the role of women farmers in agricultural development, rural livelihoods and household nutritional security. The programme brought together 70 farmers and highlighted sustainable agricultural practices and opportunities for income diversification.

Addressing the participants, Dr. P. K. Rai, Director of ICAR-NIBSM, underscored the significant contribution of women farmers to agricultural progress and rural prosperity. He emphasised the need to strengthen women’s knowledge and skills and improve their access to sustainable agricultural technologies. Such efforts, he noted, can expand livelihood opportunities, promote efficient resource utilisation and improve the quality of life of farming households.

The programme featured four expert lectures on income-generating and environment-friendly agricultural practices. Dr. P. Muvendhan, Principal Scientist, discussed the potential of quail farming as an alternative livelihood option and a means of diversifying farm household income. Dr. Priyanka Meena, Scientist, highlighted the adverse environmental effects of indiscriminate pesticide use and stressed the importance of judicious and safe pesticide application to protect the environment and promote sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Ajay Verma, Scientist, highlighted the role of nutrition gardens in strengthening household nutritional security. He explained that such gardens can provide families with fresh, nutritious vegetables and help improve dietary quality. Dr. S. K. Sharma, Principal Scientist, delivered a lecture on vermicomposting, organic nutrient management and agricultural waste recycling. He explained how these practices can improve the utilisation of locally available resources and reduce farmers’ dependence on external agricultural inputs.

The interactive programme provided participants with practical information on livelihood diversification, safe pesticide use, nutritional security and efficient management of local resources. The initiative reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to empowering farming communities through scientific awareness, sustainable agricultural technologies and farmer-centric capacity building. Dr. K. C. Sharma, Principal Scientist, coordinated the programme.

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