PM inaugurates the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists
Context
The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex in New Delhi.
- This significant event, themed “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems,” is being held in India after 65 years and addresses the critical need for sustainable agriculture amidst global challenges such as climate change, resource degradation, rising production costs, and conflicts.
- The conference attracted around 1,000 delegates from 75 countries.
Key Highlights
Prime Minister’s Address:
- Welcomed delegates on behalf of 120 million farmers, 30 million women farmers, 30 million fishermen, and 80 million livestock farmers in India.
- Emphasized India’s ancient agricultural traditions and the prioritization of science and logic in agriculture.
- Highlighted India’s robust agricultural research and education system, with over 100 research institutes, 500 agriculture colleges, and 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- Mentioned India’s diverse agro-climatic zones and their contribution to global food security.
India’s Agricultural Achievements:
- India is now a food surplus country and the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices.
- It is the second-largest producer of food grains, fruits, vegetables, cotton, sugar, tea, and farmed fish.
- India’s experience and model are valuable for discussions on global food system transformation, especially for developing countries.
Global Welfare Commitment:
- India is committed to global welfare as a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’ with a holistic approach of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
- Emphasis on sustainable and climate-resilient farming, with nearly 1,900 new climate-resilient crop varieties developed in the last decade.
Technological Integration in Agriculture:
- Introduction of digital technologies like Soil Health Cards, solar farming, e-NAM (Digital Agriculture Market), Kisan Credit Card, and PM Fasal Bima Yojana.
- Initiatives for the digitization of land records and promotion of drone usage in farming.
Focus on Nutrition and Sustainability:
- Promotion of natural farming and millets as solutions to water scarcity and nutrition challenges.
- Highlights of initiatives like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi for direct bank transfers to farmers.
Its Significance:
- Global Food Security: The conference emphasizes India’s role in global food security, leveraging its agricultural diversity and research advancements to provide solutions for food and nutrition security worldwide.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The theme of the conference and India’s proactive measures underscore the importance of sustainable agriculture in addressing global challenges like climate change and resource degradation.
- Technological Advancements: Showcasing India’s integration of modern technology in agriculture, the conference highlights initiatives that can benefit not only Indian farmers but also contribute to global agricultural practices.
- International Collaboration: The event fosters global collaboration, allowing young researchers and professionals to network, share knowledge, and influence agricultural policies on a national and global scale.
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