Mahila Kisan Diwas 2026 observed on 15 October in New Delhi
Why in the news
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare celebrated Mahila Kisan Diwas on 15 October 2026 in New Delhi. The same date is marked worldwide as the UN International Day of Rural Women.
Key facts
- Venue: Dr B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
- Chair: Atish Chandra, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW).
- Theme: ‘Role of Women Farmers in Building Developed Agriculture and a Developed India’.
- Book released: ‘Women Farmers of India: Journey from Challenges to Success’, a collection of success stories.
- Outstanding women farmers were felicitated; the day was also observed across States and UTs, Extension Education Institutes, SAMETIs and MANAGE.
- Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in his message, cited roles such as Drone Didi, Krishi Sakhi, Bank Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi, and the role of FPOs.
About the International Day of Rural Women
The UN General Assembly established the day through resolution 62/136, adopted on 18 December 2007. It was first observed on 15 October 2008 and recognises the role of rural women in agriculture, food security and rural development.
| Observance | Date | Organiser |
|---|---|---|
| Mahila Kisan Diwas | 15 October | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| International Day of Rural Women | 15 October | United Nations |
Exam angle
- Both observances fall on 15 October.
- UNGA resolution 62/136 (2007) created the rural women’s day; first observed in 2008.
- Link with schemes: Drone Didi, Krishi Sakhi and FPOs.