Dibrugarh: The three-day Women Farmers’ Mahotsav, organised to mark the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF-2026), concluded on Thursday at the Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, alongside the 36th Annual Horticulture Show and Competition.The event, held from Feb 10 to 12, witnessed participation from over 500 farmers and several nurseries, showcasing their expertise across diverse categories, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, spices, mushrooms, medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as value-added products such as jams, jellies, sweets, snacks, pickles, chutneys, salads, and cakes prepared from fresh produce.AAU vice-chancellor Bidyut Chandan Deka emphasised the significance of the event in promoting women’s empowerment and economic independence. “The Mahotsav was held to promote women’s empowerment and self-reliance. When women become financially independent, they contribute not only to their families but also to the overall development of the nation,” Deka said.He urged women to take active roles in entrepreneurial and agricultural activities, highlighting their crucial contribution to the agricultural sector and rural economy.Director of research (agriculture) Sanjay Kumar Chetia highlighted the importance of women’s decision-making autonomy for societal progress. “True progress of society and the nation is possible only when women can take independent decisions. We need to strengthen women’s economic self-sufficiency from the grassroots level,” Chetia said.The horticulture show provided a platform for women farmers and entrepreneurs to display their skills, innovations, and produce, while promoting networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among participants.The competitions across various categories witnessed enthusiastic participation, with women farmers demonstrating their expertise in traditional farming practices as well as modern agricultural techniques. The value-added products showcased at the event reflected the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of women in transforming farm produce into marketable goods.The event served as a significant step toward recognising and celebrating the contributions of women farmers, who form a substantial portion of India’s agricultural workforce, yet often remain unacknowledged in mainstream discourse.
