Guwahati, March 08: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), in collaboration with the Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission (ASRLM), celebrated International Women’s Day 2026 at Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, on 08 March 2026 (Sunday) with the theme “Give to Gain: Celebrating the International Year of the Woman Farmer.”
The programme highlighted the vital role played by women farmers in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture in the State.
Smt. Keerthi Jalli, IAS, Commissioner, Panchayati & Rural Development, Govt of Assam, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event also witnessed the presence of Shri Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi, State Mission Director, ASRLM and Shri Prabhas Bose, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, among other dignitaries.
Shri Loken Das, Chief General Manager, NABARD Assam Regional Office, in his welcome address, highlighted that the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 assumes special significance as it coincides with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the invaluable contribution of women farmers in strengthening the State’s rural economy and food systems.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Smt. Keerthi Jalli, IAS appreciated the role of women farmers, women led Self Help Groups (SHGs), and women-led collectives in transforming rural livelihoods and contributing to agricultural growth. She emphasised the need for continued institutional support, access to credit, technology and markets to further empower women farmers in the State.
As part of the celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, NABARD felicitated Joymoti Self Help Group of Darrang District, the first SHG in the State to be credit-linked with a bank. In addition, 19 women farmers and members of women-led Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) were honoured for their outstanding contributions in agriculture and allied activities.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from women farmers, SHG members, representatives from banks, government departments, and development institutions.The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Evan T. Munsong, Deputy General Manager, NABARD.
