In a concerted effort to promote inclusive agricultural development by strengthening gender mainstreaming and psychological well-being, the Punjab Agricultural University–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (PAU-KVK), Patiala, organized a one-day workshop on “Fostering Inclusive Agricultural Development through Gender Mainstreaming and Psychological Well-being” on December 18, 2025. The workshop was organized as part of an ICSSR-sponsored research project, under the guidance of Dr. Gurupdesh Kaur, Project Incharge, with the objective of sensitizing stakeholders about the pivotal role of rural women in agriculture while addressing gender-based challenges affecting their psychological and socio-economic well-being.
Dr. Manisha Bhatia, KVK Fatehgarh Sahib, introduced the theme of the workshop and emphasized the need for integrating gender perspectives into agricultural development programmes to ensure sustainability and inclusiveness.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Gurupdesh Kaur, Professor (H.Sci), KVK Patiala highlighted the significant yet often under-recognized contribution of women in agriculture and stressed the importance of empowering them through knowledge, skill development, and institutional support.
Technical sessions covered diverse aspects of livelihood and well-being.
Dr. Rachna Singla, KVK Patiala, elaborated on mushroom cultivation as a viable enterprise for livelihood security, while Dr. Arvindpreet Kaur, KVK Fatehgarh Sahib, discussed fruit nutrition gardening as a means to enhance nutritional security of farm families.
Addressing gender concerns, Ms. Keeratjot Kaur from RGNUL, Patiala, spoke on legal gaps in gender mainstreaming and their implications for women’s psychological well-being.
Dr. Shivani Rana, PAU Ludhiana, demonstrated drudgery reduction technologies aimed at easing the workload of rural women. Relevant literature on drudgery reduction tools was also distributed among the participants.
The psychological and socio-cultural dimensions of women’s empowerment were discussed by Dr. Harprit Kaur, Director, Women Studies Centre, Punjabi University, Patiala, who highlighted the impact of stereotypes and rigid role divisions on women’s mental health.
Dr. Amandeep Kaur presented a cultural perspective on the position of women, while Dr. Sukhwinder Singh deliberated on the importance of gender sensitivity in development initiatives.
Dr. Rajwant Kaur Panjabi, Head, Punjabi University, Patiala, emphasized the critical role of women in socio-economic development.
The workshop also featured experience sharing by Smt. Bhinder Kaur of village Ranjitgarh, Patiala, who shared her journey and practical insights, inspiring participants to adopt innovative and gender-responsive practices. An exhibition organized by Self Help Groups trained by KVK Patiala emerged as the star attraction of the programme.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, reinforcing the need for coordinated efforts to foster gender-equitable and psychologically healthy agricultural communities.