India is firmly set on achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, with agriculture leading the charge. The Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2024 stands as timely response to the urgent need for practices to combat climate change
As part of India’s unwavering commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, the upcoming Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards 2024 in New Delhi will convene an influential panel of scientists, policymakers, farmers, industry experts, and think tanks.
According to government estimates, climate change could slash wheat yields by 19.3 percent by 2050 and 40 percent by 2080, with kharif maize yields potentially plummeting by 18 percent and 23 percent during the same periods. These reductions not only imperil crop yields but also jeopardize the nutritional quality of produce, with extreme weather events such as droughts further impacting food consumption and farmers' livelihoods.
Dr. Navneet Anand, Chairman of the Organising Committee, underscores the critical importance of collaboration within the agricultural ecosystem to confront these challenges head-on. Organised by Agriculture Post and IndiAgri, the summit will serve as an influential platform for stakeholders to deliberate strategies for curbing agricultural emissions and revolutionising food production, distribution, and consumption.
With India's population expected to hit 1.7 billion by 2050, the country will require 400 million tonnes of food grains to meet escalating demands. The summit will underscore the imperative need for enhanced access to agricultural inputs to attain the Government of India’s 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal.
The summit's action-packed schedule will feature six robust sessions covering crucial topics such as sustainability in agriculture, maximising crop yield, technology and innovation in farming, soil and water management, sustainable farming practices, and bridging farms to markets. Key supporters encompass National Fertilisers Limited, Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited, National Seeds Corporation Limited, and Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium, alongside leading agri-input companies.
Dr Anand emphasises that the summit aims to empower farmers, enhance their self-reliance, and transform India into an agricultural powerhouse. By nurturing sustainable practices and modern farming methods adaptable to climate change, the summit seeks to make a substantial contribution to a prosperous and promising future for India.