The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with JSW Foundation, has announced the inaugural Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar: JSW Foundation-MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture 2026 to recognise women and women-led institutions contributing to agriculture, food systems, rural livelihoods and ecological stewardship across India.
The award will honour field-based women leaders and institutions working in areas including agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, nutrition security and rural development. The initiative also aims to provide greater visibility to women whose knowledge, innovation and leadership are shaping India’s 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 and Rural Systems, MSSRF. She said the award would highlight women’s leadership and enterprise while creating role models for women and girls across rural India.
Awards will be presented under three categories: Seeds, Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge; Climate Resilience and Ecological Stewardship; and Nutrition Security and Rural Livelihoods. The Bhoomi Jaa Rashtriya Samman will be conferred as a special citation for transformative leadership and women-centred innovation and technology design.
The jury comprises Dr R. A. Mashelkar, Dr Renu Swarup, T. Nanda Kumar, Prof Nitya Rao, Prof Sanjay Zodpey, R. Pavithra Kumar and Mayfereen Ryntathiang.
Recipients will receive a citation, trophy and cash prizes ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, along with national visibility and professional networking opportunities.
Nominations are open to Indian women aged 18 and above who have made sustained contributions to agriculture, allied sectors or rural livelihoods, as well as women-led institutions. Self-nominations and nominations by supporting organisations are accepted.
The nomination window opened on August 14 and applications will be accepted until September 15, 2026.
Applications can be submitted through the official award page: Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar
For queries, contact mahila.krishishakti@mssrf.res.in or 044-22541229.
