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PepsiCo India launched the inaugural RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024, celebrating the exceptional women transforming the agricultural sector. Aligned with PepsiCo’s Partnership in Progress philosophy, the event recognised the significant role women play in driving agricultural innovation, gender equality, and sustainable practices.
The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by prominent guests, including Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; and Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Punjab. The dignitaries highlighted the increasing leadership and contributions of women in agriculture, underscoring the importance of empowering them for the sector's growth.
Ten women farmers from across India were recognised for their groundbreaking work in five categories:
- Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Best Practices: Tapasi Pal (West Bengal - Gold) and Sanju Yogi (Rajasthan - Silver)
- Economic Empowerment via SHGs: Ganapathi SHG (Telangana - Gold) and Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. (Uttar Pradesh - Silver)
- Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku (Jharkhand - Gold) and Manguben Jaga (Gujarat - Silver)
- Protecting Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite (Maharashtra - Gold) and Sujata Paramanik (West Bengal - Silver)
- Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari (Bihar - Gold) and Anima Aind (Jharkhand - Silver)
Present for the awards ceremony and presenting awards to the winners were: Chief Guest Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India; Chief Guest Smt. Smriti Irani, Former Minister of Women and Child Development; Keynote Speaker Mr. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab. The Hon’ble dignitaries shared inspiring addresses underscoring the imperative to recognise and elevate women’s growing contributions and leadership in agriculture.
Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, shared in his address, “With changing times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Hence, agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognizing them as key leaders in the industry.”
Speaking at the event, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, shared, “I am incredibly proud to see women’s representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Women’s participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.”
Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, “At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades now; we are committed to enhancing women representation in the sector through this initiative and take immense pride in bringing these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards; our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”
The Social Lab as the knowledge partner brought together a stellar jury of industry experts for the awards and evaluation. Avian WE, the official outreach partner for the conference and awards, played a pivotal role in driving strategic engagement and elevating awareness for the initiative.
The event was marked by engaging panel discussions, workshops, and knowledge exchanges. Engaging workshops were designed to equip farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. The panel discussions focused on advancing gender equality and resilience in agriculture. “Policy Perspectives: Advancing Gender Equality in Agriculture” emphasized targeted policies and training to empower women as agents of change. “Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion, Innovation, and Technology” highlighted the role of innovation in enhancing women’s access to resources. “Seed to Smile: Cultivating Resilience for a Better Tomorrow” explored climate-smart practices and farmer empowerment to build a sustainable and resilient future. Over 150 agri sector experts including policymakers, agronomists, opinion leaders, corporates, academicians, etc., attended the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024.
