The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organized the G20 Technical Workshop on “Climate Resilient Agriculture” from 4-6 September 2023 at Hotel Novotel, Hyderabad Airport, Hyderabad. The event was attended by about 100 delegates including those from the G20 member states, invited countries, and International Organizations. Senior Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Jal Shakthi, Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Earth sciences attended the meeting and presented their views on the various issues of agriculture research pertaining to Climate Change in the Global context. The delegates were received at Hyderabad Airport.

The three-day event began on 4th September 2023 with the Inaugural Session attended by Ms Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble Minister of state for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, Dr. SK Chaudhari, DDG (NRM) ICAR & Chair, G20 Technical Workshop, India.

The Theme of the G20 Indian Presidency is One Earth, One Family, and One Future, which celebrates the spirit of togetherness and harmony amongst us to ensure a bright future for the world.

During the three-day event, deliberations were focused on issues related to Climate Resilient Agriculture needs and Innovations, Upscaling Climate Resilient Agriculture Case studies and Experiences, Policy, Finance, and Institutional Needs for Climate Resilient Agriculture. Senior delegates from different countries and international organizations discussed technological, institutional, and policy-related needs and imperatives. They also deliberated on scientific and innovative solutions that are required to address these emerging challenges to reduce the uncertainty in the agriculture food systems.

On the second day of the G20 Workshop on Climate Resilient Agriculture i.e on 5th September 2023, technical presentations on the theme areas viz., Upscaling Climate Resilient Agriculture- Case studies & Experiences, Policy, Finance and Institutional Needs for Climate Resilient Agriculture were presented by eminent speakers. Later the concluding Session was held under the chairmanship of Dr. S.K Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR. He reiterated that by adopting climate-resilient crop varieties, managing the natural resources, and imparting capacity building to the farmers and other stakeholders climate resilience can be achieved. He also explained the possibilities of adapting climate-resilient technologies in the G20 countries. The delegates from G20 countries expressed their views and opinions on climate-resilient practices.

Later, the delegates visited ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) Hyderabad. Considering the importance of millets in climate-resilient agriculture, the delegates were exposed to the work being done at IIMR. The delegates then visited Shilparamam, Hyderabad. The opportunity was also utilized to expose the participants to the traditions and culture of India through art forms, handlooms, and handicrafts. The delegates were welcomed grandly by the folk dancers. Ms. Manjula Ramaswamy and team presented a Bharatanatyam ballet on Shri Krishna Leelalu enthralled the audience. Sri M. Surender, Managing Director of Telangana State Co-operative Oilseeds Growers Federation Ltd, attended the ceremony.

The delegates visited ICAR-CRIDA - Research Farm (Hayathnagar), HRF on 6th September 2023. They visited various spots at HRF, CRIDA. Crop Technology Park, Fodder Technology Park, Farm machinery field demonstration, Seed hub- Processing Plant, National Innovation on Climate-resilient agriculture (NICRA) complex (FATE, CTGC facilities), Agro forestry block, Natural Farming block, Fodder seed production block and Solar Powered Micro irrigation systems block. The delegates interacted with the scientific personnel. They were explained about various climate change-related research activities being carried out in the CRIDA farms and given an overview of the crops and their management.

A post-event press conference was conducted. The Chair and Co-chair interacted with the media and explained that the adoption of climate resilient technologies is significant and can be upscaled by capacity building of the farmers and other stakeholders. The outcome of the workshop was explained by Dr. SK Chaudhari. Dr. Bikash Mandal, ADG (IR), ICAR proposed the vote of thanks.