The valedictory function of the International Conference on Rainfed Agriculture: Building Pathways for Resilience & Sustainable Livelihoods was organized at ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad on 31st December at ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad. The international conference was inaugurated on 29-1-2025 at ICAR-CRIDA. Dr JVNS Prasad , Project Coordinator,AICRPDA and Secretary ISDA welcomed the delegates and distinguished dignitaries to the function.
Dr.V. K. Singh, Director ICAR-CRIDA and President ISDA in his address informed the house that the conference was held under different categories of presentations - Plenary sessions, Invited lectures, Oral and Rapid fire and Posters.
He also informed that two interaction sessions, viz., Farmer and Scientist interaction on Rainfed Agriculture-Pathways for Resilience & Sustainable Livelihoods and a session on Industry-Scientist-Policy Interface on Climate Resilient Rainfed Agriculture. Besides that , two panel discussions on Conservation Agriculture for Rainfed Cropping Systems and Carbon Trading in Agriculture are held during the conference.
In the conference discussed on various important aspects related to rainfed agriculture such as technologies for water harvesting and efficient use of harvested water, soil and water conservation, soil health management, climate resilient crops and practices, access to credit and insurance, options for livelihood improvement, market linkages, value chains, policy support for building a more resilient and sustainable rainfed production system in the country. The rapporteurs of the various sessions presented the recommendations.
Dr.A.K.Singh, Former Vice chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University(BAU) chief Guest of the program congratulated ICAR-CRIDA for successfully organising the international conference and asked to send the recommendation to all concerned stake holders to implement.
Dr.B.Venkateswarlu , Former Vice Chancellor of Vasantarao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani other chief guest of the programme appreciated the way the sessions conducted and also praised about the interaction sessions with farmers and industry people. He also argued to identify the gaps in research and take the appropriate action to reduce the gaps.
He argued to work more towards implementing the recommendations which are came from this conference
The Chairman of Valedictory function Dr. JS Samra Former CEO of National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) in his address appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CRIDA in conducting the second International conference and welcomed the recommendations of the conference. He praised the CRIDA work in dryland agriculture.
During this valedictory Sessin wise presentations awards and Best poster awards were given during this program, The program was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr JVNS Prasad Program Coordinator(AICRPDA).
