Platinum Jubilee Conference Of ISAE Begins At PAU
Author(s): City Air NewsLudhiana, November 19, 2015: The Platinum Jubilee Conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (ISAE) began today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) amidst the gathering of leading farm economists,...
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Nov 19, 2015 12:30
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Ludhiana, November 19, 2015: The Platinum Jubilee Conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (ISAE) began today at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) amidst the gathering of leading farm economists, policy planners, officials of governmental and non-governmental organizations from all over the country and abroad. The conference has been organized by the Department of Economics and Sociology, PAU.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest, Dr S.S. Johl, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda and former Vice-Chancellor, PAU said the scientists must realize that agricultural economists have an important role to play in the dissemination of technology. He advised the agricultural economists to impart more knowledge on the economics of farming. “The gap between the professionals who frame policy and who implement policy needs to be narrowed,” he stressed.
Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said, “Punjab is a major contributor of rice and wheat to the central food grain bowl.” Besides, the state exported surplus of rice to Thailand for many years, he said, adding that Punjab’s tremendous contribution to the nation’s food security has made agriculture as the mainstay of state’s economy. Voicing concern over contemporary farm issues, Dr Dhillon said policy interventions are required for balanced use of fertilizers and irrigation water; promoting crop diversification and agro-processing; and for balanced marketing system.
Giving a presentation on the topic entitled “State, Agriculture and Policy Marketing,” Dr R.S. Deshpande, President Elect, ISAE said “Making a centralized policy for agriculture in a federal state requires participation of all the stakeholders.” A bottom –up approach is essential in order to understand the location specific problems within the states, the constraints confronting the sector, and the solutions suggested, he added. Dr Deshpande also pointed out the issue of human skill drought in farm sector in future and called for effectiveness of the states in dealing with the agricultural issues.
Dr C. Ramaswamy, President, ISAE and former Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore highlighted that Indian agriculture has made good progress since 1960s but still there many challenges like hunger and malnutrition, which need to be addressed. A major thrust should be laid on the development of ground level research, development of new technologies, quality sustainability, making prices and marketing system more useful, and strengthening public-private partnership. He lauded PAU for its remarkable services to the farmers and feeding the country.
Dr C.L. Dadhich, Hon. Secretary, ISAE said the major objective of ISAE is furthering research and teaching in the field of agricultural economics. The rural society is working closely with the ISAE, he said while highlighting the activities of the Society. The discussions and deliberations, in this conference, are vital for making recommendations, which will go a long way in strengthening ISAE.
Earlier, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Director of Extension Education, PAU welcomed the galaxy of eminent economists, delegates, senior officials and members of faculty from PAU. This conference will help in addressing the present-day agricultural issues and exhort policy makers to make Indian agriculture more profitable and sustainable.
Dr Sukhpal Singh, Head, Economics and Sociology, said discussions on the role of technology, institutions and irrigation in farm development; and economic contribution of women to agriculture were held today. Later, he proposed the vote of thanks.
On the occasion, Dr Bina Aggarwal received ISAE Fellowship. Besides, the dignitaries released a set of publications.
Date:
Thursday, November 19, 2015
