Port Blair, Oct 17: The Department of Agriculture, Diglipur Zone in association with the Union Territory Agricultural Technology Management Agency (UTATMA) celebrated “Mahila Kisan Diwas” on the theme ‘Sustainable Agriculture through Gender Inclusion and Participation’ on 15/10/2023 in the Administrative Building, Diglipur.
Mrs. Indira Devi, Child Development Project Officer, ICDS, Diglipur was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Mrs. Protima Roy, women progressive farmer graced the occasion as guest of honour. The programme was also attended by Dr. Vijay Prasad, Fisheries Inspector, Department of Fisheries and Mr. Joydev Talukdar, Paid Secretary, Keralapuram Service Cooperative Society Ltd., Diglipur.
The chief guest appreciated the Department of Agriculture, Diglipur for celebrating the day and urged the women participants to come forward and avail the benefits of various schemes implemented by the Department of Agriculture. She praised their efforts in the field of agriculture and opined that agriculture cannot be imagined without the involvement and support of women.
The Guest of Honour applauded the work and schemes implemented by the Department of Agriculture in Diglipur and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for making such successful efforts to bring women farmers from various villages of Diglipur to one platform. She further urged the women farmers to come forward and participate in the decision making. Also appreciated the contribution of women farmers who are a part and parcel of agricultural activities. And advised the farmers to get trained and develop their skills which will help them whenever required.
Mrs. Arti Singh, Assistant Director (Agri), Diglipur welcomed the Chief Guest, the guest of honour, other invitees and the participating women farmers. She greeted and congratulated all the participating women farmers on the occasion as they are working, progressing and making equal contributions to the men in the farm works. Further, assured that the Department of Agriculture will take initiatives to support and promote women farmers in the zone.
Highlighting the significance of “Mahila Kisan Diwas”, she informed that Mahila Kisan Diwas is celebrated to recognize the significant contribution and participation of farm women in agriculture. She further requested the women farmers to actively participate in all the programmes organized by the Department of Agriculture in association with ATMA and improve their skill, as women play a leading role in agriculture activities.
Various schemes implemented by the Department like Flagship Scheme, High Value Agriculture Scheme, UT Plan Scheme was explained in detail by Mrs. Kamrun Nisa, Agriculture Assistant.
Later on Mr. Dinesh Das, Agriculture Assistant highlighted the role of women in Agriculture. Mr. Joydev Talukdar, Paid Secretary, Keralapuram Service Cooperative Society Ltd., Diglipur explained in detail about the KCC and PMFBY Scheme.
An interactive session-cum- Quiz competition was held where women farmers participated enthusiastically. 1st prize was bagged by Mrs. Priya Mandal R/o Subashgram and 2nd Prize was bagged by Mrs. Maya Rani Sarkar R/o Subashgram.
A senior citizen, a progressive farmer among the participants, Mrs. Konika Biswas R/o Sitanagar was felicitated on the occasion. The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. J.Mohan, Agriculture Officer. Altogether 30 women farmers participated in the event.
During the occasion an exhibition -cum-display of agri -inputs like Vegetable seeds, Vermicompost, Sprayer, millets etc. were displayed for the participants.
