World Water Day 2026 Spotlights Gender Equity in Agricultural Water Management
World Water Day 2026 was marked with a special event at ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region (RCER) in Patna. Organised in partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), New Delhi, the programme centred on the theme of 'Water and Gender'. Over 140 participants, including around 80 farmers from Gaya and Araria districts, took part in the discussions.
The event was chaired by Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR-RCER, Patna. In his opening remarks, he stressed the critical role of effective water management in ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. He also proposed practical solutions, such as micro-irrigation and raised bed cultivation, to improve water efficiency in farming.
Dr. Das further highlighted the importance of crop diversification, urging farmers to adopt water-efficient crops like millets and pulses. His address set the tone for a farmer-scientist interaction session, where participants shared field-level challenges and explored hands-on solutions for better water use. Dr. Gopal Kumar, Country Representative of IWMI and the event's special guest, reinforced the need for innovation in water management. He called for community-driven approaches and stronger institutional collaboration to ensure equitable and efficient water distribution. His remarks underscored the event's focus on gender inclusivity in water policies, aiming to address disparities in access and decision-making. The discussions also covered real-world strategies, with farmers and scientists exchanging ideas on overcoming local water scarcity issues. The programme aimed to bridge the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that sustainable practices reach those who need them most.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to improving water management through collaboration and inclusive policies. Farmers left with practical insights, while researchers and officials pledged to support community-led initiatives. The focus on gender equity and sustainable practices marked a step toward more resilient agricultural systems in the region.
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