Bhubaneswar hosted the Inception Workshop on Institutionalising the Gender Responsive Cell (GRC): Framework and Roadmap on February 13, 2026.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment organised the event in collaboration with IFPRI and with support from the Gates Foundation. The workshop marked a major step in advancing women-led agricultural development in Odisha.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo highlighted Odisha’s pioneering role. He noted that Odisha is the only state to have developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for manufacturing women-friendly farm machinery. He said the GRC reflects the state’s commitment to inclusive and evidence-led agricultural reform.
Dr Mrinalini Darswal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Women & Child Development Department, emphasised the importance of interdepartmental convergence. Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, described the GRC as a governance reform focused on accountability and evidence-driven action.
Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice Chancellor of OUAT, stressed the need for rigorous research to guide gender-responsive agricultural transformation. Dr Shahidur Rashid, Director–South Asia, IFPRI, explained that the initiative would help integrate gender equity into outcomes and enable knowledge sharing across South Asia.
The workshop also honoured two farm women. Dr Raimati Ghiuria, known as Millet Rani, was recognised for her work in millet conservation and women’s empowerment. Smt. Rina Behera was felicitated for her expertise in farm machinery operation and training.
Technical sessions focused on climate resilience, women-centric mechanisation, SHG and FPO leadership, and monitoring frameworks. Senior officials, scientists, NGO representatives, and students attended, underscoring Odisha’s leadership in gender-responsive agricultural governance.
