The International Women’s Day on the theme “Women leadership in Agriculture: Entrepreneurship, equity and empowerment” was celebrated at the Institute on the 8th March 2021. Dr. V. Niral, Chairperson, Women’s Cell, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the theme. The function began with lighting of lamp by the dignitaries and senior most women staff of the Institute, followed by invocation and ICAR song. Dr. Anitha Karun, Director of the Institute presided over the function and delivered the presidential address and highlighted UN millennium goals for achieving gender parity and the need for empowerment of women especially in the field of agriculture. Dr. Ashwini Krishna Moorty, Zooligist by profession and an organic farmer-cum-agri-entrepreneur was the chief guest on the occasion and delivered an inspirational talk on the theme, drawing on her rich experience as a farm woman and entrepreneur. On the occasion two women entrepreneurs were felicitated viz., Dr. Ashwini Krishna Moorty of VAST Centre, Adyanadukka, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka for her contributions in the field of organic inputs for organic farming and Mrs. G. Gomathi of Gagni Foods, Erode, Tamil Nadu for contribution in the area of value addition in coconut. Staff of CPCRI including Mrs. Vishalakshi, Mrs. Lalitha Bhai and Mr. Dinesh Kumar graced the occasion with meaningful poems and songs highlighting the importance of women in daily life. In connection with the Women’s Day, a quiz competition on the theme for the staff and an online speech competition on ‘ role of women in nation building was conducted for the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Kasaragod and prizes and certificates were distributed. A training on ‘indigenous food sources for good health and boosting immunity was conducted by Dr. Saritha Hegde, SMS, KVK, Kasaragod. About 30 women farmers/farm women participated in the programme along with the institute staff. The invited farm women were taken on a visit of the Institute farm in the morning and also watched the web-cast of the ICAR even the PJ Hall of the Institute. Dr. V. Selvamani, Member, Women Welfare Committee delivered the vote of thanks. The event ended successfully with active participation of all staff of CPCRI and KVK, Kasaragod