National Policy Dialogue in Varanasi Focuses on Repurposing Rice Policies for Sustainable Agriculture
A significant two-day national policy dialogue titled "Repurposing Rice Policies for Sustainable and Resilient Systems in India: Lessons and Priorities" was inaugurated on Saturday in Varanasi. This event was organized by the IRRI South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in collaboration with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), bringing together experts to address critical agricultural challenges.
Keynote Address Highlights Opportunities for Policy Innovation
Delivering the keynote address, Ashok Gulati, a professor at ICRIER, emphasized the urgent need to repurpose rice policies to support sustainable and resilient rice systems across India. He pointed out that India's strong position as a leading rice producer and exporter presents unique opportunities to adopt innovative policy approaches. These approaches aim to promote efficient resource use, encourage crop diversification, and foster environmentally sustainable farming practices, which are essential for long-term agricultural health.
Distinguished Attendees and Collaborative Efforts
The inaugural session was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, underscoring the importance of this dialogue. Notable attendees included:
- K V Raju, Economic Advisor to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
- Ravinder, Principal Secretary of Agriculture
- Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General of Agricultural Extension at ICAR
- Prof Baldev Raj Kamboj, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University
Their participation highlights a collaborative effort between government bodies, research institutions, and academic experts to drive meaningful change in India's agricultural sector. The dialogue aims to draw lessons from past policies and set new priorities for enhancing sustainability and resilience in rice production systems.
