New Delhi: The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with JSW Foundation, has opened nominations for the inaugural Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar: JSW Foundation-MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture 2026.
The national award seeks to recognise women and women-led institutions contributing to agriculture, food systems, rural livelihoods and ecological stewardship across India.
The award will recognise contributions in three categories: Seeds, Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge; Climate Resilience and Ecological Stewardship; and Nutrition Security and Rural Livelihoods.
A special citation, the Bhoomi Jaa Rashtriya Samman, will also be conferred for transformative leadership and women-centred innovation and technology design.
The awards will be decided by a jury comprising Dr R. A. Mashelkar, Dr Renu Swarup, T. Nanda Kumar, Prof. Nitya Rao, Prof. Sanjay Zodpey, R. Pavithra Kumar and Mayfereen Ryntathiang.
Award recipients will receive a citation, trophy and cash prize ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh. They will also receive national visibility, access to professional networks and opportunities to engage with other women leaders working across rural India.
Nominations are open to Indian women aged 18 years and above who have demonstrated sustained contributions to agriculture, allied sectors or rural livelihoods, as well as women-led institutions.
Nominations can be submitted either by individuals themselves or by supporting organisations and institutions. The nomination window opened on August 14 and will remain open until September 15, 2026.
The award organisers said the initiative aims to bring greater recognition to women whose knowledge, innovation and leadership are shaping India’s agricultural and rural economy.
“Agriculture employs a large majority of rural women in India, yet many of their contributions remain under-recognised,” said Reema Sathe, JSW Chair – Women in Agriculture & Rural Systems, MSSRF.
She said the award seeks to highlight women shaping agriculture and rural livelihoods while creating role models for women and girls across rural India.
Applications can be submitted through the Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar page on the MSSRF website.
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