LPU Agriculture School Aims to Tackle Critical Challenges in Global Food Systems by Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

LPU's School of Agriculture recently hosted an International Conference on "Recent Trends in Smart and Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutritional Security-2024." The conference aimed to tackle critical challenges in global food systems by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It brought together experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, innovations, and best practices to enhance agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability. Key focus areas included sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, post-harvest management, value addition, technological advances in food and human nutrition, agricultural policy, extension, and public health.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU presented as the chief guest of the event. Other distinguished attendees included Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, and Guest of Honors Dr. S.K. Malhotra VC of MHU Karnal, Dr. J.S. Sandhu former DDG (Crop Science) at ICAR, Dr. R.G. Aggarwal Chairman of Dhanuka Agritech Limited. Other eminent speakers, including Dr. Naveen Shivanna, Dr. Dilfuza J. Pushkinova from Uzbekistan, Dr. Anil Kumar Anal from Thailand, and Dr. Pankaj B. Pathare from Oman also presented and shared their insights and experiences in sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal remarked on the perception of agriculture among the younger generation, stating that despite its historical significance as the world’s first profession, many view it as low-profile. Dr. Mittal emphasized the essential role of farmers as the backbone of any country and called for policy reforms to support them better.

Dr. S.K. Malhotra stated that the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project address climate change challenges in agriculture through research and development. To effectively implement climate-resilient farming, state governments should upscale smart and sustainable practices at the village level. This integrated approach includes developing tolerant crop varieties, promoting protected cultivation, utilizing eco-friendly soil and plant health management, and employing AI-based solutions and efficient water and nutrient technologies.

Prof. Dr. J.S. Sandhu, delivered the Lecture on Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Memorial. He stated Dr. Swaminathan as the visionary father of India’s Green Revolution, noting that his groundbreaking work not only transformed India’s agricultural landscape but also laid the groundwork for global food security, impacting millions of lives.

In his address, Dr. R.G. Aggarwal highlighted the transformative power of innovation in Indian agriculture. He noted that while Indian agriculture is experiencing positive growth, productivity in many crop segments lags behind global standards. This, he attributed primarily to farmers' limited adoption of modern technology, non-remunerative crop prices, and the need for quality agricultural inputs. He stressed that enhancing these factors could significantly improve farmers' incomes and overall prosperity.

The conference provided an invaluable platform for students to learn about the latest innovations, sustainable practices, and emerging trends shaping global agriculture and food security.