Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in partnership with the Indian Ecological Society, inaugurated a four-day international conference titled “Transforming Agrifood Systems in the Face of Climate Changes and Energy Transitions”. Held at the prestigious Dr. Manmohan Singh Auditorium on the PAU campus, the event convened global experts, policymakers, and scholars to discuss innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture and food security amidst escalating climate and energy challenges.
The inaugural session was graced by Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, as the Chief Guest, and Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Singh Maan, as the Guest of Honour. Governor Kataria emphasized comprehensive farmer support, advocating for sustainable alternatives to traditional crops, better machinery for crop residue management, and solar energy integration. He also called for stricter industrial waste management practices to ensure environmental and economic balance.
Chief Minister Maan praised PAU’s leadership in sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for water-efficient crops and technology-driven farming solutions. Stressing collaboration between scientists and policymakers, he urged a unified approach to tackle climate challenges while supporting Punjab’s rural economy.
“Climate Change and Food Security: Interlinked Challenges”
At the heart of the conference was the acknowledgment of how climate change directly impacts food security. Erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods are increasingly disrupting crop yields and distribution, threatening both local and global food supply chains. Experts argued for a comprehensive overhaul of agri-food systems to enhance resilience, urging countries to invest in research on climate-tolerant crops and carbon-neutral farming methods.
Also read: PAU-PABI Startup Unveils Apple Catcher for Easy Harvesting
Global voices enriched the discourse, with Dr. John Perkins, an agricultural sustainability expert from the United States, outlining the worldwide implications of climate change on food systems. Dr. Perkins expressed optimism about the knowledge-sharing opportunities at the conference, urging a collective shift toward climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Transforming Energy Use in Agriculture
Sessions also focused on the essential role of energy transitions in agriculture. From reducing the sector’s reliance on fossil fuels to integrating solar and wind power, experts noted that sustainable energy adoption is key to reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint. The conference highlighted the success stories of renewable-powered farms and stressed the need for affordable, scalable energy solutions that rural farmers can access.
PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. SS Gosal welcomed the attendees, including state dignitaries, international delegates, and academic leaders, reaffirming PAU’s commitment to leading sustainable transformations in India’s agrarian sector. Highlighting the university’s pioneering efforts, Dr. Gosal lauded the proactive roles of Governor Kataria and Chief Minister Maan in championing eco-friendly agricultural initiatives.
During the ceremony, dignitaries released the conference proceedings and a commemorative souvenir, marking the event’s significance. Among the attendees were Vice Chancellors of SKUAST Jammu and GADVASU, deans, directors, and faculty members from PAU and GADVASU, as well as prominent researchers from international organizations like the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center(CIMMYT), Harvest Plus, and the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development.
Collaborative Roadmap for Future Action
The conference concluded with a collaborative roadmap, with attendees drafting a comprehensive action plan that advocates for policy support, investment in green technologies, and farmer education. This roadmap aims to influence both national and international agricultural policies, helping to transition the sector toward more sustainable and climate-resilient practices.
As global warming and resource scarcity become urgent threats, PAU’s conference has set a precedent for unified global efforts to revitalize agriculture in ways that serve both people and the planet.
The conference agenda features a special symposium and workshop, supported by the National Science Foundation, USA, focusing on cutting-edge research, climate-smart agricultural practices, and educational frameworks to address the agrarian crisis. Dr. Ashok Dhawan, President of the Indian Ecological Society, celebrated the Society’s golden jubilee, highlighting its contributions to food security, productivity, and ecological balance.
With this landmark event, PAU has positioned itself as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, driving forward sustainable agricultural practices to address global climate and energy challenges.
