NITI Aayog Member Prof. Ramesh Chand today announced details of the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists, set to take place from August 2 to August 7, 2024, at the Pusa Institute in New Delhi. The press conference was attended by key figures including Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR, Mr. Shahidur Rashid, Director of the International Food Policy Research Institute, South Asia, Mr. P.K. Joshi, Secretary of the Conference, and Dr. Pratap S. Birthal.
Prof. Chand highlighted the historical significance of the conference, noting that it marks the return of the summit to India after 66 years. The inaugural conference was held in 1958, a period when India faced severe challenges such as poverty and hunger. This year’s conference will reflect the country’s progress towards becoming a developed nation, with a focus on the theme, "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems."
The conference will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will host approximately 1,000 attendees, including 740 international participants from 75 countries. Prof. Chand emphasized that the event aims to address complex agricultural issues and foster professional connections among young researchers. The conference will feature lectures, discussions, and exhibitions led by prominent agricultural economists, with a notable 45 percent female participation.
Dr. Himanshu Pathak underscored the conference's role in linking economic principles with sustainable development, reflecting ICAR's flagship program. Shahidur Rashid added that the conference will focus on transforming food systems to achieve global sustainability goals.
Overall, the conference promises to be a pivotal event in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and fostering international collaboration.