G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) is being organized at Varanasi during 17-19th April 2023 by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. About 80 foreign delegates from G20 Member States i.e, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, France , Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom, USA and European Union; Invited Guest Countries, viz. Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain UAE, Vietnam and International Organizations such as United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, International Labor Organization, FSB, OECD, Chairs of Regional Organizations AU, AUDA-NEPAD, ASEAN and Special Invitees by India i.e, International Solar Alliance, CDR and Asian Development Bank will be participating in the three day meeting.

Senior Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and other Ministries including Ministry of External Affairs are also attending the meeting. The various issues of agriculture research and development including food security and nutrition, Climate Smart Agriculture, Digital Agriculture, Public Private Partnership etc. have been included for discussion. The “Millets And OtHer Ancient GRains International ReSearcH Initiative (MAHARISHI)’ is also proposed for deliberations as G20 initiative during India’s Presidency. MAHARISHI aims at advancing research collaborations and generating awareness about millets and other ancient grains during the International Year of Millets 2023 and after.

The Government has made arrangements to give a taste of the unique experience of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage to the foreign delegates arriving at Varanasi. The traditional welcome has been arranged at the Airport. The District Administration has also made elaborate arrangements for the delegates to facilitate their convenient movement in the city. Adequate arrangements for their security and safety at the Meeting Venue and Hotels of their stay have also been made.

The theme of the MACS 2023 is Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and Planet. The inaugural session will be graced by General (Retd) V. K. Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Civil Aviation, Government of India. The subsequent technical sessions include presentations by the experts on various sub-themes related to food security and nutrition, resilient agrifood systems, digital agriculture and sustainable agri-food value chain and public–private participation for agricultural R&D followed by discussion and intervention by the participants. A dedicated session is planned on MAHARISHI which includes presentations by experts and interventions by all G20 Member States, Guest Countries and International Organizations.  On the Second day, the discussion on MACS Communique will start post-lunch session and the same would conclude on the third day.

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.

The delegates would be taken on a cruise ride to witness the scintillating view of Ganga Aarti on 17th April 2023. Thereafter, a Welcome dinner and cultural program is organized at Taj Ganges. The welcome dinner shall be attended by V K Singh (Retd) in the honor of visiting G20 Delegates.

The delegates will be taken to Sarnath on 18th April 2023. They will be given a guided tour of ASI Museum and Buddha Stupa and also witness the Light and Sound show. Subsequently, the Cultural Performance and Gala Dinner for Delegates is arranged at the serene surroundings of the Buddha Theme Park.

The Delegates will visit Trade Facilitation Centre on 19th April 2023 and have the glimpse of textile history of the city along with live demonstrations of the local artisans making their products.   A small exhibition of leading institutions of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agriculture Department is organized at TFC. The delegates will be served with shown live prepared millets dishes at the venue.  Thereafter, Farewell Dinner and cultural performances is organized at the Hotel Taj Ganges.

The delegates would leave for their respective countries on 20th April 2023.

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PK