30th annual conference on Sustainable Agriculture Development begins
JAMMU: A three day 30th annual conference by Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) on “Institutional Changes for Inclusive and Sustainable Agricultural Development” commenced on Wednesday at SKUAST, Jammu.
The conference is being organized by the Division of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, SKUAST-Jammu.
Dr. Mangala Rai, former Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, New Delhi, was the chief guest during the inaugural function.
Addressing the occasion, Dr. Mangala Rai said that sustainability and inclusive growth in agriculture is the need of the hour.
He pointed out that our country is facing technology and policy fatigue which is the prime reason for deceleration in agricultural growth.
He advocated addressing the technology fatigue in order to realize the goals of increase in agriculture production and stressed upon institutional and technological reforms for improving Indian agriculture.
Dr. Ashok Dalwai, CEO, National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, emphasized that professionals should come together and exchange knowledge of their respective fields.
“This can help finding answers to the unknown, bridge knowledge gaps thus improving their professional skills,” he said, adding that AERA has been set up to bring out young and dynamic professionals who can contribute towards the growth and development of the country.
He advised the young scholars to conduct meaningful research that can contribute to the development of knowledge in the research field and ultimately help society.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu Professor J.P. Sharma who is also patron of the conference in his address lauded the immense contribution of Dr. Mangala Rai in establishment of SKUAST-Jammu.
He welcomed all the members of the apex committee constituted for holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors in the UT of J&K for bringing transformative change in farmer’s income.
He appreciated the role of Dr. Ashok Dalwai in transforming Indian agriculture and said that J&K is bestowed with varied agro-climatic conditions and as such the policies implemented in J&K has relevance throughout the world.
Earlier, Dr. B.C. Sharma, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, presented a welcome address.
Dr. P.K. Joshi, President AERA, elaborated the detailed programme of the three day conference.
He informed that around 300 delegates have registered for the conference. He further said that 87 entries have been received for the poster presentation.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Dr. Anjani Kumar SRF IFPRI, Dr. Shahidur Rashid Director South Asia IFPRI New Delhi, statutory officers of the University, staff members, students, delegates and media personnel were present on the occasion.
KV News
