Indian Council of Agricultural Research in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi organized a Webinar on ”An evening with World Food Laureates to discuss the global food and nutrition security to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during and after COVID-19 Pandemic” to celebrate the “World Food Day - 2021” today.
In his address, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR) underlined the ICAR's contributions to the food and nutritional security of the nation and emphasized on the need for bio-fortified crop varieties to attain Sustainable Development Goals.
In his message, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, the Architect of “Green Revolution” in India and the First Recipient of the World Food Prize in 1987 said, “Today is the World Food Day; the progress of agriculture is the key to food security. Let us thank all connected in agriculture for their help to keep life on earth possible”.
Dr Gurdev Singh Khush, World Food Laureate - 1996 emphasized addressing the issues of stagnant crop yield, poor soil health, scarce water resources, low crop diversity and frequent occurrence of drought, flood, incidences of diseases and insect pests which have become more challenging due to the climate change. He also stressed on the need for crop bio-fortification towards achieving the vision of Zero Hunger.
Dr Howarth Bouis, World Food Laureate - 2016 underlined the success stories of crop bio-fortification worldwide. He also applauded the ICAR for developing 85 bio-fortified crop varieties in India.
Dr Surinder Kumar Vasal, World Food Laureate - 2000 highlighted the importance of plant genetic resources for enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality. He also stressed the need for the application of dwarfing genes to reap the benefit of higher productivity as has been achieved in rice and wheat.
Dr Rattan Lal, World Food Laureate - 2020 stated that the “Healthy Soil = Healthy Diet = Healthy People = Healthy Environment” is the key to a healthier future.
Earlier, Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences), ICAR delivered the welcome address.
Prof. R.B. Singh, Former ADG, FAO & Member, Farmer Commission of India highlighted the need for the amalgamation of “Science of Delivery” and “Science of Discovery” for achieving greater success.
Tomio Shichiri, FAO Representative in India and Shri Bishow Parajuli, Representative and Country Director, World Food Programme, New Delhi were amongst the other Prominent Speakers during the occasion.
Dr Ashok K. Singh, Director, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi proposed the Vote of Thanks.
More than 1,000 participants including Dr Panjab Singh, Former Secretary (DARE) & DG (ICAR); Deputy Directors-General and Assistant Directors General of ICAR; Vice-Chancellors of State and Central Agricultural Universities; Directors and Project Coordinators of ICAR Institutes; Scientists of National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System; Distinguished Fellows of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Faculty Members and Students across the country participated in the programme.
