Bhubaneswar: Odisha today took a significant step toward strengthening gender equity in agriculture with the inauguration of the Gender Responsive Cell (GRC) at Krushi Bhavan.
The Cell was jointly launched by Deputy Chief Ministers Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). The initiative aims to embed gender responsiveness into every layer of the state’s agricultural governance.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the GRC reinforces Odisha’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development.
“Odisha has always championed progressive agricultural reforms, and the launch of this Gender Responsive Cell reflects our resolve to make agricultural governance more inclusive, evidence-led, and responsive to the needs of women farmers,” he said.
He underscored the significance of ensuring women—who form a major part of Odisha’s agricultural workforce—gain equitable access to schemes, technologies, markets and opportunities.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida highlighted the timeliness of the initiative as the world prepares to observe the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer (2026).
“Launching the GRC ahead of this global observance shows our commitment to the women of our state. As global attention turns to the challenges faced by women farmers, this Cell will help ensure better access, participation and benefits for them,” she said.
Principal Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee noted that the GRC will enable the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) to systematically apply a gender lens across planning, budgeting, service delivery and monitoring. Conceived as an institutional mechanism within DAFE, the Cell will support the entire cycle of agricultural governance.
The GRC is designed to function as an analytical hub, facilitating gender-responsive budgeting, policy assessments and data-driven decision-making, while producing frameworks adaptable across departments. IFPRI’s South Asia Regional Director, Dr. Shahidur Rashid, reaffirmed the institute’s long-term commitment as Odisha’s technical and knowledge partner.
The event brought together senior officials, researchers, development partners and civil society representatives—including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and officers from Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, FARD, and Women & Child Development departments—to collectively advance a more equitable, climate-resilient and future-ready agricultural system.
