💧 Advancing Global Women’s Leadership in Agriculture

The Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) recently concluded in New Delhi, marking a critical milestone in global agricultural policy. Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, the three-day international dialogue culminated in significant institutional commitments to bridge the gender gap in the agricultural sector, where women play a foundational but often under-recognized role. For UPSC aspirants, this conference provides vital policy fodder on gender-responsive budgeting, social inclusion, and the modernization of agri-food value chains.

60–70% Women's Share in Agri-Labour
900+ Institutions in ICAR Gender Platform
18 Participating Countries Globally

💧 Key Initiatives & Strategic Focus

The valedictory session of GCWAS-2026 yielded decisive action plans and institutional blueprints designed to center women farmers in the transformation of agri-food systems.

🌐 ICAR's National Gender Platform
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is developing a unified national gender platform.
  • It will connect over 900 institutions, including ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and agricultural universities.
  • The goal is to strengthen research, extension, and capacity-building explicitly focused on women in agriculture.
📜 The Delhi Declaration & Global Alliance
  • The conference formally adopted the "Delhi Declaration".
  • It calls for the establishment of a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems.
  • The declaration commits stakeholders to implement gender-responsive budgeting, periodic gender audits, and the systematic collection of gender-disaggregated data.
👩🏽‍🌾 Policy Recommendations & One Health
  • Delegates emphasized integrating agriculture, nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability through the 'One Health' framework.
  • Recommendations included simplifying seed value chain regulations to help women transition from traditional biodiversity custodians to agri-entrepreneurs.
  • The conference underscored bridging the digital divide via localized digital tools and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture.

📚 Prelims Quiz Corner

1. With reference to the outcomes of the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026), consider the following statements:

1. ICAR announced the development of a national gender platform connecting over 900 agricultural institutions.
2. The conference adopted the 'Delhi Declaration', which calls for the establishment of a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • A) 1 only
  • B) 2 only
  • C) Both 1 and 2
  • D) Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Answer: C
Source Reference
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | ID: PRID_2240298 | 15 MAR 2026