Jammu, Dec 21: A three-day 30th annual conference by Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) on “Institutional Changes for Inclusive and Sustainable Agricultural Development” began 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, who was the chief guest during the inaugural function, said that sustainability and inclusive growth in agriculture are the need of the hour. “Our country is facing technology and policy fatigue which is the prime reason for deceleration in agricultural growth,” he said. He strongly advocated addressing the technology fatigue in order to realize the goals of increase in agriculture production and stressed 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, he said, can help find answers to the unknown, and bridge knowledge gaps thus improving their professional skills. He said 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 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, said J&K is bestowed with varied agro-climatic conditions and as such the policies implemented in J&K have relevance throughout the world.
Earlier, Dr. B.C. Sharma, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, presented a welcome address. Dr. P.K. Joshi, President AERA, elaborated on the detailed program of the three-day conference. He informed that around 300 delegates have registered for the conference and that 87 entries have been received for the poster presentation.
