National Conference on ‘Realigning Indian Agriculture for Sustainable Future’ Inaugurated at KIIT
The 3rd National Conference on ‘Realigning Indian Agriculture for a Sustainable Future’ was inaugurated on 10th March 2022 in the presence of Dr. Gargi Dey (KSBT); Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar, Director, KIIT-TBI; Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, DG-ICAR; Dr. K. K. Narayanan, Director ATPBR; Dr. Suren Tikoo, Independent Director, ATPBR; Dr. P. K. Agrawal, Vice-Chancellor, OUAT; Prof. Aparajita Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, Rama Devi Women’s University; and Dr. Gopal Chowdhury (KSBT). The Conference has been organized by School of Biotechnology, KIIT-DU and Foundation for Advanced Training in Plant Breeding (ATPBR) in association with Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) and Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT).
In his inaugural address, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra stated that sustainable agriculture has helped decrease carbon footprints, chemical footprints and water footprints. Rural engagement and agricultural engagement have contributed to reducing rural poverty, he added. Addressing the participants virtually on modernizing agriculture and food systems, Dr. Jackie Hughes, DG-ICRISAT laid emphasis on improving supply chains, uberization of farm equipment, rapid advancement of generation and building research partnerships.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. P. K. Agrawal explained the 5F’s of agriculture, while mentioning that the biggest concern of the agricultural sector is decreasing the input cost and making a profit. Prof. Aparajita Chowdhury stated that resource conservation-based agriculture is the need of the hour for a sustainable future. Highlighting the enterprising aspects of the agricultural sector, Dr. Mrutyunjay Suar mentioned that right strategies and coordination is the key for sustainable agriculture. He thanked ATPBR for giving KIIT the opportunity to host this important conference.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Dr. P. K. Agrawal and Prof. Aparajita Chowdhury were felicitated on the occasion. Dr. K. K. Narayanan, Dr. Suren Tikoo and Dr. Gopal Chowdhury also spoke. The first day of the conference also featured an exciting round of inter-university Agri Quiz, which was won by the OUAT Team. An enchanting cultural programme was performed by the students of KSBT.