15/10/2026
Empowering Women Agri-Entrepreneurs through Digital Agriculture and AI
The Women Cell and Agri Business Incubator (ABI), ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, organised a one-day workshop on “Digital Agriculture and AI: Opportunities for Women Agri-Entrepreneurs” on 15 October 2026 at Silver Jubilee Hall, ICAR-IISR as part of National Women Farmers day.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Praveena R., Vice-Chairperson, Women Cell, followed by the presidential remarks by Dr. T. E. Sheeja, Head, DCIB and PI, NAIF Schemes. Dr. Ahamed Riyaz, Director and Professor, Farook Institute of Management Studies (FIMS), delivered the opening remarks and conducted expert sessions on leveraging digital tools for enterprise growth.
A key highlight was the launch of value-added products developed by on-campus incubatee Mrs. Sheena, by Dr. Ahamed Riyaz, marking an important step in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.
The workshop also featured sessions on financial literacy and cyber hygiene for online operations by Ms. Ayona George, Financial Literacy Counsellor, Lead Bank, Kozhikode. Participants visited the Spice Processing Facility at ICAR-IISR to gain insights into spice processing and value addition.
The programme concluded with remarks by Dr. Sajesh VK and with a vote of thanks by Dr. Maneesha S. R., Co-PIs, Agri Business Incubator (ABI).
The initiative reaffirmed ICAR-IISR’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through digital technologies, incubation support, innovation, and market-oriented agri-enterprise development.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India