National Seminar on Sustainable Farm Development held at PAU

Ludhiana, March 4, 2015: Leading economists, educationists, policy planners and scientists from 24 Indian institutions deliberated on sustainable agriculture, resource conservation and natural resource management during the 2nd national seminar on “Sustainable Agricultural Development,” held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Besides, the speakers also delved on organic farming, technology infusion, and sociological ramifications of development.

In his address, the Chief Guest, Dr S.S. Chhina, Founder President of Society of Economics and Development, said “Growth of Indian agriculture is a success story of free India in which, besides the backup provided by technological developments, pro-farming governmental policies, hard work of peasantry, mechanization played a significant role.” He added that the time has come when the post green revolution scenario demands redressal of the economic and ecological constraints of contemporary agriculture. He emphasized that the economic policies of the government can go a long way in supporting the cause of sustainable farm development.

Dr M.S. Sidhu, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBS&H), PAU said that economics has always been a major driver in developing plans and policies that caused transition from food deficit to food surplus India. He stressed that the inputs by scientists should be given due weightage for future sustainable development plans.

Dr S. S. Chahal, Organizing Secretary, said that the seminar had four technical sessions in which 52 papers were presented. Besides, 34 supplementary papers were received for the deliberations, he added. All the papers were published in Indian Journal of Economics and Development, released on the occasion, he said.

Dr M.S. Toor, President of the Society conducted the seminar and highlighted the activities and achievements of the Society.

Dr Sukhpal Singh, Head, Department of Economics, while proposing vote of thanks, lauded the Society of Economics and Development for organizing the seminar and bringing out an up to date journal with high NAAS rating (4.01).

The sessions were chaired by Dr M.S. Sidhu, Dean, COBS&H; Dr J.S. Dhiman, Additional Director Research, PAU; Dr Gian Singh, Professor of Economics, Panjabi University, Patiala; Dr D.K. Grover, Director, Agro Economic Research Centre, PAU; Dr P. Goyal, Professor of Management; and Dr R.K. Katkar, Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. In addition, Dr Y.S. Zala, MPKV, Rahuri, Maharashtra; Dr Sadiq Mohammad Sanusi, RAU, Bikaner; were among the key speakers.