New Delhi, December 22, 2024: PepsiCo India launched the RevolutioNari Conference and Awards 2024, a platform focused on women’s contributions to the agricultural sector. Aligned with PepsiCo India’s Partnership in Progress philosophy, the event recognised ten women farmers from across India for their efforts in advancing agriculture.
The awards were based on nominations reviewed by an external jury led by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog. Winners were recognised in five categories:
- Breaking Gender Stereotypes & Implementing Best Farming Practices: Tapasi Pal (Gold, West Bengal), Sanju Yogi (Silver, Rajasthan).
- Economic Empowerment through Self-Help Groups: Ganapathi SHG (Gold, Telangana), Sarayan Farmer Producer Company Ltd. (Silver, Uttar Pradesh).
- Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture: Shivani Kisku (Gold, Jharkhand), Manguben Jaga (Silver, Gujarat).
- Protection and Promotion of Native Indigenous Food Systems: Monika Mohite (Gold, Maharashtra), Sujata Paramanik (Silver, West Bengal).
- Youth Innovators in Agriculture: Surbhi Kumari (Gold, Bihar), Anima Aind (Silver, Jharkhand).
The event included workshops, panel discussions, and knowledge exchanges focused on topics such as gender equality in agriculture, financial inclusion, and climate-smart practices. Workshops provided tools and resources to help farmers adapt to changing agricultural landscapes. Panels emphasized policies to empower women, the role of technology in financial inclusion, and strategies for building resilience in agriculture.
Key attendees included Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti, and former Minister Smriti Irani. Over 150 agricultural experts, policymakers, and academics participated in the event.
Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India, shared in his address, “Withchanging times, our farmers have embraced sustainable agricultural practices, and women have emerged as strong pillars of this system, playing an indispensable role in driving progress. Hence, agricultural development is unimaginable without their invaluable contribution. I congratulate PepsiCo India for empowering and recognising them as key leaders in the industry.”
Speaking at the event, Ajit Balaji Joshi, Secretary, Dept of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Govt. of Punjab, shared, “I am incredibly proud to see women’s representation in this room surpassing that of men. Organizations like PepsiCo India are instrumental in helping farmers explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and beyond. Women’s participation in this sector is essential for driving sustainable growth and innovation.”
Jagrut Kotecha, CEO, PepsiCo India and South Asia, shared, “At PepsiCo India, we are committed to an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead change. Through our RevolutioNari initiative, which aims to empower 1 million women across India by 2026, we are driving tangible, positive societal impact. As an agri company working closely with farmers for over three decades now; we are committed to enhancing women representation in the sector through this initiative and take immense pride in bringing these remarkable stories to life through the RevolutioNari Awards; our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”
PepsiCo India also launched the RevolutioNari Anthem as part of its flagship program aimed at empowering women in agriculture.
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