On 12 March 2026, the President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. The conference highlighted the crucial role of women in agriculture and emphasized increasing their participation in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions. The President stressed the need to support women farmers with land rights, technical knowledge and financial resources. The event aims to promote gender-inclusive agricultural growth and strengthen women’s participation in agri-food systems globally.
On 12 March 2026, the President of India Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) in New Delhi. The conference highlights the important role played by women in agriculture and food systems.
During the event, the President emphasized that women contribute significantly to various agricultural activities such as sowing, harvesting, food processing and marketing of agricultural products. Women are also actively involved in fisheries, beekeeping, animal husbandry and forest produce management. These contributions make them an essential part of the agricultural economy.
The President noted that more than 50% of students in state agricultural universities are women, and in some institutions the number exceeds 60%. This indicates growing participation of women in agricultural education and research.
She highlighted that women should play a larger role in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions within the agriculture sector. Increasing women’s participation can promote gender-inclusive agricultural growth.
The United Nations has declared 2026 as the “International Year of the Woman Farmer”. The declaration aims to reduce gender gaps and encourage leadership roles for women across the agri-food value chain.
• Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA)
The conference discusses policy frameworks and strategies to strengthen gender participation and build sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.
• GCWAS-2026 held in New Delhi
• Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu
• Focus on women’s role in agriculture and food systems
• UN declared 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer
• Women contribute significantly to agriculture and allied sectors
• Over 50% agricultural university students are women
• Conference organised by TAAS, ICAR, CGIAR and PPV&FRA
• Goal: gender-inclusive agricultural development
Agri-Food Systems
• Includes production, processing, distribution and consumption of food
• Covers agriculture, fisheries, livestock and forestry sectors
• Important for food security and nutrition
• Women form a major workforce in agriculture
• Gender equality improves productivity and sustainability
• Linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
1.GCWAS-2026 conference was inaugurated by whom?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Droupadi Murmu
C) Jagdeep Dhankhar
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
Answer: B
2.GCWAS-2026 focuses on the role of women in which sector?
A) Manufacturing
B) Agri-Food Systems
C) Space Technology
D) Banking
Answer: B
3.The United Nations declared which year as the International Year of the Woman Farmer?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Answer: C
4.Which organisation is India’s premier agricultural research body?
A) ICAR
B) ISRO
C) ICMR
D) DRDO
Answer: A
5.TAAS in the conference stands for:
A) Trust for Agricultural Advancement Society
B) Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences
C) Technology Association for Agricultural Studies
D) Training Academy for Agricultural Services
Answer: B
Which organisation coordinates agricultural research and education in India?
Answer: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
Students often confuse ICAR with ICMR.
ICAR deals with agricultural research, while ICMR deals with medical research.
Examiners often ask about:
• International conferences hosted in India
• Agricultural research institutions
• Women empowerment in agriculture
Women in Agriculture
GCWAS-2026
Droupadi Murmu
International Year of the Woman Farmer
Agri-Food Systems
ICAR
TAAS
CGIAR
PPV&FRA
Women-led Development