Gender Sensitisation Workshop in Poonch: Agriculture Department Organises Training at Government Degree College to Promote Women’s Participation in Agriculture
More than 200 women participated in a Gender Sensitisation Workshop in Poonch organised by the Department of Agriculture under the JKCIP project at Government Degree College.
POONCH MIRROR NEWS DESK MARCH 14, 2026
POONCH, Mar 14: More than 200 women from different parts of the district participated in a gender sensitisation training-cum-workshop organised by the Department of Agriculture, Poonch on Saturday at the campus of Government Degree College Poonch. The event was conducted under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) with the aim of promoting gender awareness and strengthening women’s participation in agriculture and allied activities.
Participants included Krishi Sakhis associated with natural farming clusters, members of various self-help groups, Krishi Udhyamis (agriculture entrepreneurs), youth club members, and female students of Government Degree College Poonch. Officials said the participation of women from diverse backgrounds reflected increasing awareness about the role of women in agriculture and rural development.
The Principal of Government Degree College Poonch attended the programme as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the workshop. Addressing the gathering, the Principal spoke about the role of women in social and economic development and highlighted the importance of encouraging women to take active roles in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
He also emphasised the need for creating an enabling environment that supports women’s financial independence and builds confidence among young women to contribute meaningfully to the rural economy. Stressing the importance of gender-sensitive approaches in development programmes, he encouraged participants to take advantage of the opportunities available under the JKCIP project.
Chief Agriculture Officer Poonch, Jograj Singh Slathia, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of women’s involvement in shaping the future of agriculture in the district. He said that empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs is essential for sustainable agricultural growth and community development.
Highlighting the objectives of the JKCIP project, Slathia said the initiative focuses on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening value chains, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the project also aims to integrate modern technology, digital tools, and innovative farming methods to support farmers and rural communities.
He noted that Krishi Sakhis, self-help groups, youth clubs, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) can play an important role in promoting various activities related to the project, including awareness about digital services, marketing of local agricultural produce, environmental protection initiatives, plantation drives, and waste management.
The workshop also featured lectures by several resource persons who spoke on different aspects of gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Qurrat-ul-ain, State Taxes Officer, delivered a lecture focusing on the importance of eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and decision-making processes. She encouraged participants to actively participate in community initiatives and take leadership roles in local development.
Jyoti Chowdhary, Assistant Director Handicrafts, spoke about the role of traditional crafts in supporting women’s livelihoods and highlighted how skill development programmes can help women achieve economic independence.
Tabbasum Naz, Assistant Professor at Government Degree College Poonch, and Amjad Babbar, Assistant Professor at the college, also addressed the participants. Their lectures focused on gender equality, the participation of women farmers in agriculture, and the need to recognise women’s contribution to agricultural and allied sectors.
The speakers underlined that strengthening women’s participation in rural economies is essential not only from the perspective of social justice but also for ensuring sustainable economic development.
During the programme, a presentation highlighting the achievements of women farmers from different parts of the district was also delivered. The presentation showcased several success stories of women who have adopted innovative agricultural practices and contributed to improving livelihoods in their communities.
The proceedings of the workshop were conducted by S. Charanjeet Singh Raina, SMS-SDL, who also delivered an introductory lecture on the JKCIP project. He explained the objectives of the programme, its implementation framework, and the various initiatives designed to support women’s participation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Participants also engaged in interactive discussions during the workshop and shared their experiences related to farming, entrepreneurship, and community development. Officials said such programmes aim to create awareness, build capacity among rural women, and encourage greater participation of women in agricultural initiatives across the district.
According to officials of the Agriculture Department, similar awareness and training programmes will continue to be organised in different parts of the district to strengthen women’s involvement in agriculture and allied sectors under the JKCIP project.
(Inputs from Department of Agriculture, Poonch)
Leave a Reply