The Global Conference on Women in Agribusiness, a part of Agritech India 2024 was organized at BIEC. K Ratnaprabha, former Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka and founding chairperson of UBUNTU Consortium, highlighted the resilience of rural women in the agribusiness sector during the conference. Women in rural areas are increasingly taking on traditionally male-dominated tasks, supporting women entrepreneurs across India.
She emphasized the potential and urge of rural women working in the agribusiness sector, highlighting their significant roles in agriculture, entrepreneurial efforts, and their experience in remote Karnataka. These women take on masculine tasks such as driving tractors and engaging in labor-intensive work.
Despite handling rigorous tasks, women suffer prevalent issues subjected to harsh labor, and men often misuse their earnings, causing domestic issues. Ratnaprabha expressed pride in the numerous women who set up stalls to showcase their accomplishments, highlighting the consortium's efforts to support and uplift these women entrepreneurs across India.
Director of the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh further highlighted the significant role of women in the Indian food industry, emphasizing the need to understand trends such as convenience, nutrition, health, and circular economies during the conference.
