LPU agriculture school aimed to tackle critical challenges inglobal food systems by promoting sustainable agriculturalpractices

• LPU School of Agriculture organized global conference “SSAFNS 2024”
• To effectively implement climate-resilient farming, the state government. Should
  upscale smart and sustainable practices at the village level: S.K. Malhotra

New Delhi: 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.
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.