Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, is set to inaugurate the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) at Hotel Le Meridien in Kochi tomorrow. This four-day event, commencing on Tuesday, October 10, will bring together renowned agricultural economists, scientists, policymakers, academicians, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), will deliver the presidential address. Minister for Agriculture, P Prasad of Kerala, MP Hibi Eden, Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, and Chairman of NABARD, K V Shaji, will be among the distinguished guests. Prof. Panjab Singh, former President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), will deliver the Dr. AB Joshi Memorial Lecture.
The primary objective of the ASC is to foster scientific discussions around the transformation of India's agri-food systems into sustainable enterprises, ensuring their benefits for future generations. Organized by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), this year's Agricultural Science Congress is making its debut in Kerala and is being hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
The Congress will delve into ten thematic areas, encompassing various aspects of agriculture, sustainability on land and water, agricultural production systems, products, machinery, climate action, economics, renewable energy, precision farming, alternative farming systems, coastal agriculture, and next-generation technologies.
The event will feature an array of renowned experts such as Dr. Madhur Gautam, lead economist of the World Bank; Dr. Krishna Ella, CMD of Bharat Biotech; Dr. Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices; Dr. Prabhu Pingali, founding director of Tata Cornell Institute; Dr. Rishi Sharma from FAO; and Dr. Kadambot Siddique, who will lead various sessions.
The 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC) will also host three-panel discussions and four symposiums covering a wide range of topics, such as coastal agriculture and livelihood, mainstreaming millets, youth empowerment, and gender equity. One of the key highlights of the event will be the Farmer-Scientist Interface session, facilitating a direct exchange of knowledge and experiences between the farming community and leading researchers.
The Congress anticipates the participation of over 1500 delegates from India and abroad. Additionally, an Agri Expo will be held alongside the event, showcasing innovative agricultural technologies from public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies, and NGOs. This gathering promises to be a significant platform for shaping the future of agriculture in India and promoting sustainability in the agri-food sector.
