Training on women empowerment in farming begins at horticulture institute

A two-day training programme on “Women empowerment in agriculture”, under the Indo-Israel project, commenced on Monday at the Horticulture Training Institute in Uchani, Karnal.

The programme has been organised by the state Horticulture Department, and is hosting over 70 women officials from different states across the country.

The programme was inaugurated by Suresh Malhotra, Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, as the chief guest at the event. He formally launched the training camp by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

He was welcomed by Billu Yadav, Joint Director, Horticulture, and Principal of the institute; and Satyendra Yadav, Deputy Director, IBDC Horticulture, Ramnagar.

In his address, Malhotra said India had become self-reliant in agriculture, producing sufficient food not only for itself but also for export to several countries. Stressing India’s strong ties with Israel, he said the partnership between the two countries — whether in defence, science and technology, or agriculture — had always been significant.

He underlined the importance of adopting modern techniques in farming to reduce the pressure on natural resources while ensuring quality production.

He emphasised the crucial role of women in agriculture and the need to strengthen their participation.

Representatives from Israel, including Shani Rapaport Etsiony, Head of Public Diplomacy at the Israeli Embassy, and political affairs advisor Sara Olga Yanovsky, shared their experiences and insights on women’s empowerment in agriculture.

They spoke on various themes, highlighting how women were increasingly influencing agricultural policies and practices. On the first day, technical sessions were held covering multiple aspects of women’s empowerment in the farming sector.

MASAV officer Anumeha Bhardwaj elaborated on different dimensions of women empowerment, while Indo-Israel project in-charge Brahmdev outlined the programme structure.

As part of the training, participants visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables, where they were briefed on protected cultivation, nursery management, modern irrigation systems, and advanced farming practices. They also toured the Sub-tropical Fruit Centre at Ladwa (Kurukshetra), where Additional Director Joginder Ghaghas talked about the farmer-centric facilities being offered.The group also visited the Integrated Beekeeping Centre of Excellence at Ramnagar (Kurukshetra).

Deputy Director Satyendra Kumar Yadav introduced the participants to the centre’s activities. He talked about how the state was supporting beekeepers through a quality control laboratory that tested honey at subsidised rates, along with processing and bottling facilities that helped farmers enhance their income.