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Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems

  • 16 Mar 2026

On 14th March 2026, the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) concluded in New Delhi with a call to strengthen women’s leadership, participation, and innovation across agriculture and agri-food systems.

  • Policymakers, scientists, and development experts from several countries participated in the conference.
  • The conference emphasised gender-responsive agricultural policies and innovations.
  • ICAR announced plans to develop a national gender platform for agriculture.
  • The platform will connect over 900 institutions including ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
  • It aims to strengthen research, extension and capacity-building for women farmers.
  • The conference adopted the “Delhi Declaration” on women in agri-food systems.
  • The declaration proposed creating a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems.
  • It calls for improved access to land, finance, technology and markets for women.
  • The declaration emphasises gender-responsive budgeting and data collection.
  • It also recommends periodic gender audits in agricultural programmes.
  • Women contribute about 60-70% of the agricultural labour force globally.
  • Experts highlighted women’s role in conserving plant genetic resources.