Leading the Change: ICAR-CRRI Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 
International Women’s Day was celebrated at ICAR – Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack on 8 March 2026 under the chairmanship of Dr. G. A. K. Kumar, Director, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack. The occasion was graced by Dr. Mayabini Jena, Former Head, Crop Protection Division and Emeritus Scientist, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, as the Chief Guest. In her address, the Chief Guest emphasized women’s empowerment and highlighted the challenges that hinder the realization of gender equality. She also mentioned that 2026 has been declared by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing the vital contributions of women farmers to agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.
Dr. Sabita Mishra, Retd. Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIWA, Founder of GAME and FAME(NGO), and Member of IC, CRRI, Cuttack has graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and highlighted that gender mainstreaming is essential for building and inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.
Dr. G.A.K Kumar, in his presidential address, called for gender equalization in all spheres of life at all times. Dr. M. K. Kar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CRRI and Presiding Officer, Internal Committee, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Sudipta Paul, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was moderated by Dr. P Sanghamitra, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack.
On the same occasion, International Women’s Day was also celebrated at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Koderma, where women farmers, self-help group members, rural entrepreneurs, local stakeholders, and KVK staff, took part. The programme highlighted the important role of women in agriculture, society, and community development, and the active participation of SHG members and rural entrepreneurs made the event interactive and meaningful.
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