Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) at National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex, New Delhi on Saturday. Around 1,000 delegates from around 75 countries are participating in the triennial Conference organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists which will culminate on 7th August 2024.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed delight that the ICAE is taking place in India after 65 years. Highlighting the relevance of all six seasons in agricultural planning in India, the Prime Minister mentioned the distinct qualities of 15 agro-climatic zones. He noted that agricultural produce changes if one travels about a hundred kilometers in the country. “Be it farming on the land, the Himalayas, in the desert, water-scarce regions or coastal regions, this diversity is crucial for global food security and makes India a ray of hope in the world”, PM Modi remarked.
“Agriculture is at the center of India’s economic policies”, the Prime Minister underlined as he mentioned that the 90 percent of small farmers of India who own little land make for the biggest strength of India’s food security.
He emphasized the longevity of ancient Indian beliefs and experiences about agriculture and food. PM Modi pointed to a robust system of agriculture research and education in India and mentioned that ICAR boasts of more than 100 research institutes while there are more than 500 colleges for agriculture education and more than 700 Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
The theme for this year’s conference is, “Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems.” It aims to tackle the pressing need for sustainable agriculture in the face of global challenges such as climate change, natural resource degradation, rising production costs and conflicts.
The ICAE 2024 platform allows young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers. It aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s agricultural progress, including advancements in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems.
