The 3rd International Conference on ‘Climate-Smart Nutri-Sensitive Integrated Farming System for Gender-equitable Sustainable Agriculture: Prospects and Challenges (ICNSFS-2024)’ was inaugurated on 06 November 2024 by Dr. R. C. Agrawal, Hon’ble Dy. Director General, (Agriculture Education), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi as Chief Guest at ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar. Dr. R. C. Agrawal, in his inaugural speech stressed upon for the vital contributions of women farmers in agricultural production and value addition. He also stated the need for gender equity to achieve sustainable agricultural development. He stressed that the participation of girl students in agricultural education is increasing rapidly. He pointed out that women farmers are the main conservators of biodiversity, therefore, they should be recognized and rewarded for this. This Conference aspires to generate insights and promote collaborative strategies to enhance the resilience and gender equity of agricultural systems, contribute valuable perspectives and shaping the trajectory of sustainable agriculture globally. About 300 delegates from across India and abroad are participating in this conference in different technical sessions. This conference provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of agriculture by exploring sustainable practices and challenges within Climate-Smart Agriculture, Integrated Nutrient Management, Gender-Inclusive Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Mechanization, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Artificial Intelligence, and Gender Equity. Each theme encompasses specific sub-themes, such as innovative nutrient-sensitive crop integration, gender-responsive extension services, and advanced technologies in artificial intelligence for precision agriculture. The conference aims to foster knowledge exchange, addressing challenges like gender disparities, technological advancements, and sustainable practices. It aspires to generate insights and promote collaborative strategies to enhance the resilience and gender equity of agricultural systems. This academic gathering is poised to contribute valuable perspectives, shaping the trajectory of sustainable agriculture globally.
In the inaugural session, the contributions of women farmers to agriculture and allied sectors were recognized by felicitating successful women farmers by Chief Guest Dr. R.C. Agrawal. Students, researchers and academicians were also recognized for their contribution towards agricultural research and education. Dr. Praveen Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Agriculture Commissioner Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, New Delhi wished that this conference will provide a platform to achieve sustainable development goals by addressing the several challenges and institutional bottlenecks. Dr. P. K. Roul, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar highlighted the importance of diverse nutrient-rich food to meet the increasing demand of burgeoning population and advocated the need of climate-smart agricultural practices to combat the adverse effects of climate change for sustainable agriculture. Dr. Gaya Prasad, Former Vice Chancellor, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut and Chairperson of this conference emphasized on the challenges of Agri-food system and role of the women farmers in Indian agriculture. He also emphasized the need to address gender issues in agriculture and allied sectors for adaptation to climate change at regional, national, and global scales. Dr. Mridula Devi, Director of ICAR-CIWA & Chief Organizing Secretary, emphasized the importance of the conference in achieving sustainable gender-equitable agriculture. She also highlighted the role of ICAR-CIWA in empowering women in the agricultural sector. Dr. K.P. Singh, ADG (Farm Engineering) stressed the importance of agricultural mechanization for smallholder farmers and the need for the development of gender neutral farm machineries.
Read more: https://icar-ciwa.org.in/index.php/fortabevents/692-icnsfs-2024
