Srinagar, Aug 6: The two-day IFAD Project Partners' Learning Forum 2026 began at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) on Thursday, bringing together policymakers, development experts, farmer organisations and entrepreneurs to discuss inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth, with a special focus on empowering women farmers.

Organised by the Mission Directorate of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the forum is themed "Celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers: Empowering Women, Transforming Agriculture."
The inaugural session was chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who stressed the need for technology, innovation and institutional convergence to build resilient, market-oriented agricultural systems.
Addressing the gathering, Dulloo said women farmers are key drivers of rural transformation and reiterated the government's commitment to empowering them through technology, skill development, entrepreneurship and improved market access. He also called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, development partners and farming communities to accelerate agricultural reforms.
SKUAST-Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie highlighted the importance of research, innovation and scientific interventions in improving agricultural productivity. He advocated stronger linkages between research institutions, extension agencies and farmers to promote the adoption of modern technologies.
Earlier, Mission Director HADP/JKCIP Dr. Sagar D. Dattatray outlined the objectives of the forum and highlighted the progress achieved under JKCIP in promoting digital agriculture, strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), supporting agri-startups and creating sustainable rural livelihoods across Jammu and Kashmir.
IFAD India Country Director James Marc de Sousa-Shields reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to inclusive rural development through partnerships, innovation and knowledge sharing. He appreciated JKCIP's progress in developing a robust digital ecosystem and community-driven implementation model.
A major highlight of the inaugural session was the launch of three key JKCIP initiatives. The dignitaries released the fourth edition of the JKCIP Pulse quarterly newsletter, the JKCIP Annual Report 2025-26, and unveiled Krishi Mitra AI, an artificial intelligence-powered crop advisory and leaf diagnosis platform designed to provide farmers with personalised, data-driven advisory services.
The forum also featured an exhibition showcasing agricultural innovation, where 10 JKCIP-supported agri-startups displayed technologies and solutions in precision farming, agri-processing, digital agriculture and value addition. Five Farmer Producer Organisations showcased high-value agricultural and horticultural products, reflecting the growing strength of collective farming enterprises in the Union Territory.
Exhibition stalls set up by the Agriculture Department, Horticulture Department and Horticulture Planning & Marketing Department (HPM) highlighted flagship schemes, value-chain development initiatives and farmer-centric interventions.
The opening day concluded with technical sessions, networking and knowledge-sharing among IFAD-supported projects from across the country.
The second day of the forum will feature thematic discussions, experience-sharing sessions by IFAD-assisted projects from different states and field visits to successful FPOs, agri-startups and Centres of Excellence established under JKCIP.