Odisha Advances Gender-Responsive Agricultural Governance with GRC Launch

Bhubaneswar, Feb 13: Odisha has taken a pioneering step in institutionalising gender-responsive governance in agriculture with the launch of the Gender Responsive Cell (GRC).

The inception workshop, organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment in collaboration with IFPRI and supported by the Gates Foundation, highlighted the state’s commitment to women-led agricultural development.

Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised Odisha’s unique achievement as the only state with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for women-friendly farm machinery.

Senior officials, including Dr Mrinalini Darswal and Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, underlined the importance of interdepartmental convergence and accountability-driven reforms.

The workshop also honoured grassroots champions such as Dr Raimati Ghiuria, known as “Millet Rani,” for her work in millet conservation, and Smt. Rina Behera for her expertise in farm machinery training.

Key focus areas included climate resilience, women-centric mechanisation, leadership in SHGs and FPOs, and robust monitoring frameworks.

With participation from scientists, NGOs, and students, Odisha reaffirmed its leadership in advancing gender equity in agriculture.