Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 21: A three day 30th annual conference by Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) on “Institutional Changes for Inclusive and Sustainable Agricultural Development” begins today 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.
Speaking on 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 strongly advocated addressing the technology fatigue in order to realize the goals of increase in agriculture production. He 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 added. He said 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.
Professor J.P. Sharma, VC SKUAST-Jammu and patron of the conference, in his address, lauded the immense contribution of Dr. Mangala Rai in establishment of SKUAST-Jammu. He appreciated the role of Dr. Ashok Dalwai in transforming Indian agriculture. He further 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 welcome address.
Dr. P.K. Joshi, President AERA, elaborated the detailed programme of 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.
During the conference, six technical sessions and three special sessions have been scheduled to discuss and dwell deep into the main themes and come out with the suitable and concrete way forward in these broad areas.
During the inaugural session, five publications including souvenir-cum-abstract book were released by the dignitaries.
Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, 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.
Proceedings of the inaugural programme were conducted by Dr. Anil Bhat and Rekha Nair while vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Sudhakar Dwivedi, organizing secretary, AERA-2022.
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