Without Women Farmers Every Plate Would Be Empty Says LG Sinha as He Calls for Global Recognition of Female Agri Creators

SRINAGAR, April 16, 2026Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Women Farmers Conference organized by the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in Srinagar, where he celebrated the indispensable role of women in agriculture and allied sectors.

Highlighting that 2026 has been designated by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Women Farmers, Sinha described the milestone as a historic opportunity to recognize women as primary creators in agricultural growth rather than mere laborers.

He emphasized that women farmers are the backbone of global food security, stating that without their labor, humanity would be left starved. He called for their empowerment to be a top priority in every government scheme, noting that their strength anchors the prosperity of families and society at large.

The Lieutenant Governor urged technology innovators and government departments—including agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and dairy—to prioritize the development of technical tools and resource allocation specifically for women.

He also called on financial institutions to design specialized loan products that allow landless women farmers to access credit in their own names.

Highlighting the success of women-led development in Jammu Kashmir since 2020, Sinha noted that nearly 311,000 women are currently registered across various agricultural and allied sectors under initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Program and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

He encouraged more women to join central schemes, self-help groups, and Farmer Producer Organizations to secure control over production resources and market linkages.

During the event, Sinha requested IFFCO to establish a farmers’ training center, a multi-facility service center, and a sheep production unit in the region to further support local growers. He also felicitated successful women agri-entrepreneurs and inspected various stalls showcasing agricultural innovations.

Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor announced that a mass movement for a Drug Free Jammu Kashmir will be launched from Srinagar on May 3, 2026.

He called upon women and youth to lead this societal transformation to eradicate the drug menace from the Union Territory, reinforcing the vision of an empowered and healthy society.