To discuss the current constraints and options for ensuring sufficient food, nutrition and environmental security for all by 2030, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT under UN Environment implemented GEF project, India Office, New Delhi in collaboration with the Trust for Advancement in Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), New Delhi, a neutral ‘Think Tank’, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR) International Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) organised a National Symposium on Food, Nutrition, and Environmental Security: Towards Achieving SDGs on 29-30 August 2022.
The symposium, held in hybrid mode, brought together diverse stakeholders from the Central and State Governments, CG Centers, scientific institutions, private sector and the farmers and was attended by nearly 200 participants. The objective of the symposium was to discuss and prioritize innovations that would transform existing slowdown in agricultural production; to develop strategies for regenerative agriculture for long-term sustainability; to harness untapped opportunities by strengthening partnerships and to diversify sustainable production systems on eco-regional basis.
In the inaugural session, the context of the two-day symposium was set by Raj Paroda, Chairman, TAAS. Special remarks for were made by Stephan Weise, Managing Director for Asia, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, DG, ICRISAT, Bram Govaerts, DG, CIMMYT, Jean Balie, DG, IRRI. Himanshu Pathak, DG, ICAR and Secretary, DARE, Government of India and T Mohapatra, President, NAAS were the special invitees on the occasion. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, Niti Aayog, Government of India delivered the Inaugural Address.
During the symposium, technical sessions were held on relevant themes like - Reorienting Crop Research for Food and Nutrition Security; Role of Livestock and Fishery Sector for Food & Nutrition Security; and Harnessing Innovation to address SDGs.
A Panel Discussion on ‘Agricultural Research and Innovation for Development (ARI4D)’ was well represented by concerned experts and stakeholders including researchers, policy makers, farmers, community representatives, private industry and non-governmental organisations.
In a ‘Special Session’ the announcement for the Borlaug Field Award was made by Keegan Kautzky, Senior Director, Global Youth Program and Partnership, World Food Award. The recipient of the 2022 Borlaug Field Award is Mahalingam Govindaraj, Senior Scientist for Crop Development at HarvestPlus and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
A special lecture on ‘Sustaining Soil Health for Posterity’ was delivered by Rattan Lal, Distinguished Professor, Ohio State University.
Proceedings and Recommendations_National Symposium on Food, Nutrition and Environmental Security
