NEW DELHI, 18 March 2025: Ms Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, UN World Food Program, today while addressing Roundtable on ‘Advancing Gender-Inclusive Agri Value Chains’, organized by FICCI, jointly with Yara India and Solidaridad Network, emphasized the need for inclusive agricultural functions to create an equitable, efficient, and sustainable food system.
She highlighted that empowering women with comprehensive support mechanisms can drive significant progress in agriculture and ensure long-term food security.
Mr Siraj Hussain, Advisor, Food Processing, FICCI and Former Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, underscored the crucial role women play in agriculture and livestock industries. He stated that equal participation of women in these sectors is fundamental to achieving a more inclusive and resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Mr Sanjiv Kanwar, Managing Director, Yara South Asia & Country Head, Yara India, stressed the financial challenges faced by women in agriculture. He pointed out that despite their willingness to learn and adopt new practices, women often do not receive adequate financial recognition. Bridging this gap is essential for improving their economic stability and contributions to the sector.
Ms Neha, Senior Manager, Gender (Asia Region), Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd., emphasized the significance of the feminization of the supply chain, which empowers women not just economically but also socially and psychologically. She highlighted the need to ensure financial access and control for women to bring about long-lasting change in the agricultural sector.