Nilokheri/Karnal: Women Farmers Day 2025 was organized at the Extension Education Institute, Nilokheri, to highlight women's empowerment and the role of women in agriculture. The program was a joint effort of four Extension Education Institutes across the country, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. This year's theme was "Empowering Women Farmers for a Prosperous Nation."
On this occasion, Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Dr. P.K. Meherda, Additional Secretary, Extension, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Extension, and Dr. Shailesh Kumar Mishra, Director, Extension, joined online and interacted with women farmers across the country. They encouraged women farmers to adopt agricultural innovations, establish group-based enterprises, and take advantage of government schemes.
Dr. Balwan Mandal, Director (Extension Education), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, was the chief guest at the event. He stated that the university's Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centres) are providing training, entrepreneurship, and technical support to women farmers in every district of Haryana. He added that women are no longer confined to farms; they are making significant contributions in all areas of production, processing, marketing, and value addition.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Regional Director of the Institute of Extension Education, delivered a lecture on the role of women farmers in promoting healthy living, stating that women are playing a leading role not only in agricultural production but also in nutrition, family health, and maintaining sustainable agricultural systems. Ninety-six women farmers and ten progressive women farmers attended the event. They shared their experiences, conveying the message that with dedication, training, and the right efforts, rural women can also become self-reliant. Usha Rani of Kurukshetra, who produces pickles, gulkand, jams, and honey, said, "The income from farming was low, so I started selling homemade pickles and jams in the market." 
Today, our products are reaching markets and cities through self-help groups. A kilogram of pickle costs 70 to 80 rupees and sells for 150 to 200 rupees. She encouraged other women to become self-reliant, join self-help groups, and take advantage of government schemes. 
Sita Devi and Geeta Devi from Karnal, drone operators trained under the Drone Didi scheme, highlighted the role of technology in modern agriculture. Sita Devi explained that previously, spraying pesticides on an acre took 3-4 hours, but now, with drones, the task is accomplished in 10-15 minutes. 
She added that she has received up to 80 percent subsidy from the government, which has helped her become self-reliant. She also emphasized that women should learn new technologies and play an active role in modern agriculture. The Drone Didi scheme is a golden opportunity for women.
Dr. Satyakam Malik, Dr. Jaswinder Kaur, Anil Rohilla, Senior Coordinator of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Karnal, and all the faculty and staff of the Extension Education Institute, Nilokheri were present on the occasion. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S.R. Verma.