The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is organizing the G20 Technical Workshop on “Climate Resilient Agriculture” on 4-6 September 2023 in Hyderabad. The Workshop aims to bring together experts from around the world to discuss and highlight the challenges of Climate Change and would emphasize the cooperation and exchange of information to enhance the skills and competencies of countries in addressing challenges posed by climate change. The eminent speakers

The three-day event began today with the Inaugural Session which was graced by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje. The first day was focused on the “Climate Resilient Agriculture Research Needs and Innovations” wherein the eminent speakers shared their experiences in their respective countries to achieve resilience in agriculture. They shall also list out scientific and innovative solutions that are required to address these emerging challenges to reduce the uncertainty in the agriculture food systems. The event is attended by dignitaries including foreign delegates from G20 member states, Guest-invited countries, and International Organizations (IOs). Senior Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and other Ministries also attended the meeting to deliberate in the technical sessions on the various issues of agriculture research predominantly on Climate Change and other techniques and methods for sustainable development of agriculture in the Global context.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ms. Shobha Karandlaje mentioned that agriculture is the most sensitive sector and is greatly influenced by climate change which is already happening in G 20 Nations. She said that the impacts of climate change are already being experienced by all of us and hope that the recommendations emanated from this workshop will give direction towards attaining climate-resilient agriculture.

Secretary DARE, and DG ICAR, Dr. Himanshu Pathak reiterated that agriculture in India is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability. He said that in recent years, the frequency of climatic extremes has increased resulting in increased risks to agricultural production and food security all over the World, including India and emphasized that the efforts of ICAR are very significant in meeting the challenges of climate change. Additional Secretary & FA, DARE, Ms. Alka Nangia Arora opined that Climatic risk is manifested in terms of the incidence of droughts, floods, and high intra-season variability in rainfall. Hence, risk - climatic and other forms of risk - remains a key challenge to researchers and policymakers.

DDG(NRM), ICAR, Dr. S.K, Chaudhari chairman of Technical Workshop for Climate-Resilient Agriculture, expressed that G20 Nations, mindful of G20’s leadership role, can position themselves as pioneers in developing climate-resilient practices for sustainable agriculture to enhance food security. Location-specific Climate Resilient Technologies (CRTs) are being demonstrated in India for coping with climate variability in vulnerable districts of India to generate awareness and to build the capacity of farmers and other stakeholders. Further ensured that the deliberations of this workshop would provide a road map for the research and development agenda to comprehensively address the climate change impacts on the agriculture sector. Director, ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. V.K. Singh profusely thanked the dignitaries and delegates for attending the Technical Workshop by travelling all the way from different nations.

The Theme of the G20 Indian Presidency is One Earth, One Family, and One Future, which celebrates the spirit of togetherness and harmony amongst us to ensure a bright future for the world. Upscaling Climate Resilient Agriculture Case studies and Experiences, Policy, Finance, and Institutional Needs for Climate Resilient Agriculture will be discussed in the upcoming technical sessions of the three-day event. As a part of the program, on 5^th September 2023, the delegates would be taken on an excursion visit to ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) Hyderabad to showcase the scientific advances made in the field of research on Millets as part of the International Year of Millets 2023. India is looking forward to strengthening its Scientific Research and Development initiatives in the field of Millet and cooperating with other countries to help them develop these crops in their countries.

Later the delegates would be taken on a short trip to Shilparamam, Hyderabad on 5^th September 2023 to witness the live dance performances of Indian folk artists depicting the traditional dance forms of music. The delegates would also explore the traditional products of India and the opportunity to buy them at the Shilparamam Complex, Hyderabad. The delegates on 6^th September 2023 would be taken on an excursion visit to ICAR- CRIDA Hayathnagar Research Farm where they would be taken to field farms and given an overview of the crops and their management. The Department in close coordination with the support of district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the safety and security of the delegates. The delegates would leave for their respective countries on 6^th 7^th September 2023.

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