Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar

Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar

Recognising women’s leadership in agriculture, food systems and rural transformation.

The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with JSW Foundation, invites nominations for the inaugural Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar: JSW Foundation–MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture 2026.

The award is a national recognition platform honouring women and women-led institutions whose work is strengthening agriculture, allied livelihoods, food systems, biodiversity, climate resilience, nutrition security and rural communities across India. Its distinctive focus is on field-grounded women and institutions whose knowledge, labour, leadership and innovation may not yet have received national visibility, but are already shaping India’s agrarian and rural future.

JSW Foundation is the social development arm of the JSW Group, known for its commitment to inclusive growth, social innovation, and community empowerment across India. MSSRF is a pioneering institution in India dedicated to pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature development, with longstanding work in agriculture, ecology, nutrition, and community-based rural development. Together, JSW Foundation and MSSRF seek to create a meaningful and credible national platform that brings visibility to the remarkable contributions of women in agriculture and rural systems. 

The Awards aim to: 

  • Recognise outstanding women and women-led institutions contributing to agriculture and rural transformation. 
  • Celebrate innovations and leadership that improve food systems, rural livelihoods and ecological resilience. 
  • Encourage sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural practices. 
  • Promote women’s leadership in agriculture, allied sectors and rural enterprises. 
  • Document and disseminate inspiring stories of women transforming rural communities. 
  • Build a nationally recognised platform that promotes excellence, inclusion and knowledge sharing. 

Award Categories

 

Seeds, Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge

Recognising women and women-led institutions conserving seeds, biodiversity, local food cultures and indigenous ecological knowledge.

 

Climate Resilience and Ecological Stewardship

Recognising women’s leadership in agroecology, climate adaptation, water stewardship, regenerative practices and ecological restoration.

 

Nutrition Security and Rural Livelihoods

Recognising contributions to nutrition-sensitive agriculture, local food systems, rural enterprise, value addition and allied livelihoods.

 

Bhoomi Jaa Rashtriya Samman  (Special Citation)

Special citations for Transformative Leadership and Women-Centred Innovation and Technology Design.

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Awardee benefits

Recipients of the Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar – JSW Foundation–MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture 2026 will receive:

Financial Support

A prestigious national award jointly conferred by JSW Foundation and MSSRF, along with a citation, trophy, and cash award.

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Professional Networks

Opportunities to engage with institutions, partners, and networks that can amplify the reach and impact of their work.

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 National Visibility

Recognition at a high-profile national ceremony and visibility through media outreach, digital storytelling, and communication platforms.

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Cohort Access

Access to a growing community of women leaders through peer learning, networking, and potential future roles as resource persons.

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Who can apply

Individuals

Applicants should: 

  • Be a woman who is an Indian citizen. 
  • Be at least 18 years of age. 
  • Have made a significant contribution in agriculture, allied sectors or rural livelihoods. 
  • Demonstrate sustained impact through leadership, innovation or community service. 
  • Have a minimum of five years of relevant work or contribution (except in exceptional cases, as determined by the Award Secretariat). 
  • Be willing to participate in verification and award-related activities. 

For this award, a women-led institution refers to an organisation, collective, enterprise, platform or institution where women play a significant leadership, governance, ownership, management or decision-making role, and where the work directly advances women’s participation, leadership or wellbeing in agriculture and rural systems. 

Eligible institutions include: 

  • Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) 
  • Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) 
  • Women’s Collectives 
  • Self Help Group (SHG) Federations 
  • Producer Collectives 
  • Registered Trusts and Societies 
  • Non-Governmental Organisations 
  • Social Enterprises 
  • Community seed banks 
  • Community-Based Organisations 
  • Academic or Research Institutions 
  • Other legally registered organisations working with women in agriculture and rural development 

 

The institution should: 

  • Be legally registered in India. 
  • Have been operational for at least three years. 
  • Demonstrate measurable outcomes and community impact. 
  • Maintain sound governance and ethical practices. 

How to apply

People can either self-nominate or we encourage institutions to help file nominations. You may apply via online and offline modes. Please ensure you have the following documents at the time of submission: 

  1. Completed online nomination form  
  2. Citation describing the nominee's achievements  
  3. Supporting documents and evidence of impact  
  4. Photographs of the nominee and activities  
  5. Registration certificate (for institutional nominations)  
  6. Recommendation letter(s), if applicable  

Online Submission (preferred)

Complete the online nomination form and upload all required supporting documents through the official award portal mentioned below

Applicants will receive an automated acknowledgement upon successful submission. 

Apply Online

Offline Submission

Download the nomination form or obtain a printed copy from the Award Secretariat. Submit the completed nomination form along with all supporting documents by post or in person.

Postal Address:

Award Secretariat, Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar, JSW Foundation–MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), 3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai – 600113, Tamil Nadu, India.

Download Application form
Submission Deadline
All nominations must reach the Award Secretariat on or before 15 September 2026.
For queries please contact the Award Secretariat
Email: mahila.krishishakti@mssrf.res.in 
Phone: 044-22541229

Timeline

Final awardees will be informed after completion of the screening, verification and jury evaluation process. Public announcement will be made as per the award communication plan.

Opening of nomination window 
14th August 2026 
Last date for submission of nominations
15th September 2026
Announcement of awardees 
October–November 2026 
Award ceremony 
December 2026

Important Notice

  1. The decision of the jury will be final and binding.
  2. The organisers reserve the right to seek additional information from nominees or nominators.
  3. Incomplete, false, or misleading information may lead to rejection of the nomination. 
  4. The process and timeline may be refined by the organisers, if required. 
Frequently Asked Questions