Dec 2020

Women in Agriculture Day Celebration: Recognizing the Contributions of Women Farmers

Suttur, Dec. 6, 2020: The ICAR JSS Krishi Vignana Kendra, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, Periyapatna, Kaanana Krishika Mahileyara Sangha, and Naari Gruhotpannagalu, organized a program at the Periyapatna Rotary premises to celebrate ‘Women in Agriculture Day’ on December 4, 2020.

In her introductory speech, Smt. H.V. Divya, Scientist at ICAR JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra, Suttur, highlighted the significant role played by women in agriculture. She emphasized that women are not limited to household responsibilities but actively participate in various agricultural activities such as sowing and reaping, becoming the backbone of the agriculture sector. Smt. Divya shared that the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, has designated December 4 as ‘Women in Agriculture Day’ to recognize and honor the contributions of women in the agricultural field.

The program was inaugurated by Sri A.P. Shivakumar, Assistant Agricultural Director, Periyapatna. In his address, he expressed pride in identifying and respecting women farmers who contribute to agricultural activities and its development. He advocated for similar programs to be organized at a larger scale to provide greater recognition and publicity to women farmers.

Smt. Seema Prasad from Sahaja Samruddhi Samsthe, during her guest lecture, referred to women farmers as ‘Beeja Maates’ (mothers of seeds) to show her respect for their efforts. She emphasized the crucial role of women in protecting indigenous variety seeds, which contributes to their survival. Smt. Prasad encouraged the women farmers to protect and develop these seeds, assuring them that her organization would provide support and purchase the seeds from them, leading to increased profits.

Another guest speaker, Smt. B.R. Sudha, an agriculture graduate from Hunsur, shared her daily practices for maintaining good health. She advised women farmers to avoid consuming junk food and instead opt for homemade food and snacks. Smt. Sudha also encouraged them to develop kitchen gardens and grow their own vegetables for consumption.

Smt. Neelamma and Smt. Poovi from Abbalatti Haadi introduced more than 25 varieties of locally available plants and explained their medicinal qualities. A competition was organized for the women participating in the program to identify these medicinal plants. Many men and women actively took part in the competition, with S. G. Jaji securing the first place, followed by Basappa Lingapura in second place and Akkamma in third place.

Smt. D.C. Shruti, Executive Officer, Taluk Panchayat, Periyapatna, presided over the program. She emphasized the importance of women farmers cultivating chemical-free vegetables for their own use. Smt. Shruti informed the participants about the availability of grants amounting to Rs. 1,500 for developing kitchen gardens under the MGNREGA program, encouraging them to utilize the opportunity effectively.

On this occasion, Smt. Manjula Kalappa from Hittane Hebbagilu, who discontinued tobacco cultivation and has been using and conserving indigenous seeds for the past nine years, was felicitated. Previously burdened by a loan of Rs. 10 lakh due to tobacco cultivation, Manjula and her husband Kalappa switched to using indigenous seeds, leading to improved soil health and personal well-being. They now cultivate various vegetables on their two-acre land near the forest border, including brinjal, chili, beans, tomato, greens, carrot, ragi, and paddy. Their efforts have resulted in an annual profit of Rs. 5 lakh. Kalappa expressed his pride, acknowledging his wife and two daughters for their significant contributions in conserving indigenous seeds.

Smt. Netravathi Yettinamani, Scientist at KVK, explained various agriculture-related apps like Kisan Rath, Farms, and E-Nam. The vote of thanks was given by Smt. Netravathi Yettinamani, and the program was compered by Smt. K.P. Ashakumari, Convener of Naari Household Products. The event commenced with an invocation by Kum. Akanksha Jain.

Local medicinal quality plant identification competition.
Felicitating women farmer Manjula Kalappa.

2023-06-12T08:29:59+00:00December 7th, 2020|