Biennial workshop concludes at PAU, experts mull IFS's role in Agri-sustainability
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), December 5, 2024: As many as 123 participants from 23 states and two union territories, representing 34 State Agricultural Universities, one Central Agricultural University, and six ICAR institutes, participated in the VIII (XXXVI of Project) Biennial Workshop of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on “Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), which concluded at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), today.
The workshop was organized by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (ICAR-IIFSR), Modipuram, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) in collaboration with PAU.
The workshop comprised nine technical sessions and a plenary session, focusing on the latest advancements, challenges, and strategies in integrated farming systems.
The chief guest Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, urged the stakeholders to adopt innovative farming systems to meet future challenges. Dr Rishi Pal Singh, Registrar, PAU, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the importance of such collaborative platforms for national agricultural progress.
Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, said that the workshop served as a pivotal platform for the scientists, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and innovations in integrated farming systems (IFS).
The Welcome and Scheme Progress Report was presented by Dr N Ravisankar, Project Coordinator, AICRP-IFS.Dr Sunil Kumar, Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram, observed the critical role of integrated farming systems in enhancing agricultural sustainability and farmer incomes.
The special invitees Dr Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI (Ludhiana), and Dr Hanuman Sahay Jat, Director, ICAR-IIMR (Ludhiana), addressed the gathering, offering valuable insights on integrated farming practices.
The Chairman, Dr SK Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi, in his welcome remarks, said that the discussions focused on enhancing resource use efficiency, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods, aligning with national priorities in agriculture.
Dr. SS Walia, Chief Agronomist, AICRP-IFS, PAU (Ludhiana), proposed a vote of thanks and said that the this biennial event under the aegis of ICAR-IIFSR reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening of farming systems research and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across India.
The program was skillfully anchored by Dr (Mrs) Hina Goyal, Teaching Assistant (English), PAU.