Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment is getting ready to host Krushi Odisha 2024 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from January 12 to 14. The theme of this year’s event is “Celebrating Women in Agriculture,” which aims to recognize and celebrate the crucial role played by women in agriculture and related sectors. Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain made the announcement at Krushi Bhavan today. The inaugural ceremony will be graced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who will highlight the government’s dedication to the farming community and the people of Odisha.
Minister Swain justified the theme choice by emphasizing that women make up over 60% of the agricultural workforce. The event is anticipated to draw about 5000 farm women, 2000 Women SHGs, and agri-entrepreneurs from across the state. Throughout the three days of the program, successful women farmers and SHGs will be honored.
Principal Secretary of the Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, said, “Other than agriculture, women are also active in allied sectors. The seed, which is the career of our progress in agricultural development, is being selected and preserved by women. They are also engaged in post-harvest activities and entrepreneurship. Despite having such significant contributions, they don’t have a major role in decision-making. In view of this, with the approval of the Chief Minister, the tagline of this year’s event ‘Celebrating Women in Agriculture’ has been decided.”
