From Fields to Fortune: Diversification Tips to Strengthen Women in Agriculture

21 November 2025, Patna

ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, organized a special programme on “Poshan and Women Recognition Celebration” under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) to promote awareness on nutrition, women’s empowerment, gender equality, and diversified livelihood opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anup Das, Director, ICAR–RCER, Patna, urged families to ensure equal opportunities for girls in education, nutrition, and skill development, reaffirming that “balanced parenting leads to a balanced and progressive society.” He stressed the importance of experience-based learning, scientific farming, and effective use of government schemes.

Guest of Honor Dr. Arti Kumari, Head, Department of Biotechnology, Patna Women’s College, emphasized women’s empowerment and advocated for a diverse diet through the concept of “Rango Se Bhari Thaali – Sampurn Aahaar.”

Marking the onset of winter, each woman farmer was felicitated with a woolen stole for her contribution to agriculture. Wellness kits, health kits, women-friendly farm tools, quality seeds, and poultry chicks with starter feed were distributed to support small-scale enterprises. Certificates were also awarded to recognize outstanding contributions of women in agriculture. An exhibition showcasing banana-fiber handicrafts, women-friendly tools, high-yielding varieties, processed food products, stitched handicrafts, and other innovative technologies drew significant attention. Participants also visited vegetable and fruit-based nutrigardens, Micro/Nano Homestead Models, farm ponds, varietal trials, and Integrated Farming Systems.

Inspirational success stories highlighted the transformative impact of ICAR–RCER’s scientific interventions. Under institute guidance, Ms. Albina Ekka adopted an Integrated Farming System model combining high-value vegetables, mushrooms, fish culture, backyard poultry, lac production, herbal crops, and value-added processing raising her annual income from ₹35,000 (2017–18) to over ₹10 lakh (2024–25). Ms. Susanti Josphin Lakra increased her income from ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh through disease-resistant varieties and regular farmer–scientist interaction, while Ms. Seema Minj enhanced her income from ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakh through agricultural diversification.

Other farmers, including Ms. Neelam Devi and Ms. Sunita Devi, shared how improved seeds, training, and technology exposure encouraged broader adoption of scientific practices.

Scientists from ICAR–RCER highlighted the need for balanced diets, anemia prevention, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient crops, biofertilizers, organic farming, and millet promotion.

More than 150 women farmers from SC/ST communities of Bihar and Jharkhand participated in the event.

(Source: ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar)