Bhubaneswar: ICAR-CIFA observed International Women’s day 2020 during 8-9 March 2020. The theme of this two days celebration was “I am Generation Equality; realizing women’s rights for an equal future”. On 8th March a programme on “Advanced Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Women of Odisha” was held in which, around 150 women farmers, entrepreneurs and SHG members from different parts of Odisha had participated. Scientists from CIFA spoke about various entrepreneurial opportunities like fish hatcheries, seed rearing, fish farming, pearl farming, ornamental fish farming, feed making and fish processing etc. Experts from APICOL and other stakeholders like banks, MSME, KVK, Department of Agriculture and Horticulture spoke about availability of incentives and support to the women entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs spoke about their achievements in the field of freshwater aquaculture. A farmers- scientist interaction was also held during the programme.
In continuation to the above programme a meeting was organised on 9th March in which, Dr. B. R. Pillai, Director, ICAR-CIFA welcomed all the dignitaries and the women participants. Mrs. Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, IAS, Director, Department of ST & SC, Govt. of Odisha made her august presence as Chief Guest on the occasion. She spoke about the contribution of women towards the improvement of family as well as field emphasizing on the education and health of the women. She said that ‘Every girl is a symbol of power’. She also praised CIFA for the contribution of pisciculture towards Integrated Farming System, hatchery and seed management as well as other aspects of fish culture. She suggested the KVKs to make their support structure strong so that many more farmers can be benefitted through training and capacity building. Ms. Sabarmati, eminent conservationist and Padma shri designate was the Chief Speaker of this occasion and spoke on ‘Women and Food’. She applauded the contribution and responsibility of women in the process of ‘Plot to Plate’. She said that the work of women are always unseen, unreported, unheard and unaddressed. She emphasized on the drudgery reduction in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Also she encouraged all the women participants for their contribution towards agri-entrepreneurship. Prof. Pravat Kumar Raul, Managing Director, APICOL and Guest of Honour spoke about the nutritional and economic security of women. He also mentioned about the special facilities in the agri-entrepreneurship scheme that is available for women. To mark the occasion of International Women’s Day different competitions were arranged for the staff of ICAR-CIFA and the prizes were distributed by the Chief Guest of the programme. Seven successful women entrepreneurs were also felicitated for their significant achievements in agriculture and allied sectors.
Dr. Kanta Das Mahapatra, Principal Scientist and Chairperson, ICC and Dr. N. K. Barik, Senior Scientist & I/C ABI coordinated the programme. Mrs. Rakhi Kumari, Scientist, ICAR-CIFA proposed the vote of thanks. The event was organised in collaboration with Agri-business Incubation Centre, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khordha and RKVY funded Project operating in ICAR-CIFA.
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