Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) on Saturday, emphasising India's commitment to addressing global food and nutrition security. The event took place at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex in Delhi, marking the first time in 65 years that such a conference has been organised in India.
Welcoming delegates from various countries, PM Modi expressed his pride in hosting the event in India, home to 120 million farmers, over 30 million women farmers, and 30 million fishermen.
He highlighted India’s agricultural diversity, noting that the country’s varied climatic zones and agricultural practices make it a significant player in global food security. India is not only a food surplus country but also the largest producer of milk, spices, and lentils.
PM Modi spoke about India’s ancient agricultural traditions that prioritise science and logic. He mentioned the Ayurvedic science of food consumption with medicinal effects, which has been an integral part of Indian society for centuries. He referred to the ancient text 'Krishi Parashar,' written nearly 2000 years ago, as a valuable heritage for human history.
Digital technology is playing a crucial role in transforming India’s agricultural sector. Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, funds are transferred directly to the bank accounts of 10 crore farmers in just 30 seconds. PM Modi mentioned the development of digital public infrastructure for digital crop surveys, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions with real-time information.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by water shortages, climate change, and nutrition deficiencies. However, he emphasised that India has solutions for these issues.
India is the largest producer of millets, which are recognized globally as a superfood. Based on the principle of minimum water usage and maximum production, these superfoods can address global nutritional concerns. PM Modi expressed India's willingness to share its superfood resources with the world.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent farmer leader who played a significant role in India's freedom struggle. He highlighted the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, which honours Patel. The statue was constructed using iron equipment collected from six lakh villages across the country, symbolising the collective effort of Indian farmers.
The triennial ICAE conference, organised by the International Association of Agricultural Economists, is being held from August 2 to 7, 2024. The theme for this year’s conference is "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems."
The conference aims to address the urgent need for sustainable agriculture amidst global challenges such as climate change, natural resource degradation, rising production costs, and conflicts.
The event will showcase India’s proactive approach to global agricultural challenges and highlight the nation’s advancements in agricultural research and policy. It will serve as a platform for young researchers and leading professionals to present their work and network with global peers.
Additionally, the conference aims to strengthen partnerships between research institutes and universities, influence policymaking on both national and global scales, and showcase India’s progress in digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food systems.
Approximately 1,000 delegates from around 75 countries are participating in ICAE 2024, reflecting the global significance of the event. The conference is expected to foster collaboration and innovation in agricultural economics, contributing to the development of sustainable agri-food systems worldwide.
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