Patna: With a focus on recognising women as key drivers of agricultural growth, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, in collaboration with the International Society of Extension Education (INSEE), organised a national conference on redefining their role in agri-food systems on Saturday.The conference, themed “Redefining role of women in agri-food systems: Extension strategies for sustainable agricultural development”, attracted over 300 delegates, including agricultural scientists, policymakers and grassroots innovators.Delivering the presidential address, RPCAU vice-chancellor P S Pandey emphasised the institution’s commitment to transforming the narrative around women farmers. He said sustainable agricultural development is impossible without recognising women as primary stakeholders. The university’s thrust is on extension strategies that convert their invisible labour into visible leadership in agri-food value chains, he added.Speaking as chief guest, Jaya Prakash University (Chapra) vice-chancellor P K Bajpai said gender inclusivity should be seen as an economic imperative, not just a social goal. He advocated aggressive retooling of extension systems to ensure rural women get equal access to mechanisation, digital advisories and global markets.Padma Shri awardee Raj Kumari Devi, popularly known as ‘Kisan Chachi’, highlighted the ground realities faced by women cultivators. “Schemes must speak the language of the field. Women farmers need simple tools, timely inputs and respect for their knowledge,” she said.The conference also addressed key policy and data gaps. INSEE president K Narayana Gowda called for a shift from training to co-creation with women’s collectives. Former agriculture adviser to the Planning Commission V V Sadamate stressed that future extension plans must be driven by gender-disaggregated data to improve access.Earlier, organising secretary Ram Datt underlined the need to deliver technology, credit and market linkages directly to women’s doorsteps.
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