Hindu Editorial Analysis : 6-August-2024
Recently, India hosted the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in Delhi. This significant event was graced by the Prime Minister of India as the Chief Guest and the Union Agriculture Minister as the Guest of Honour. It marked a special occasion, as it was the first time India held the ICAE in 65 years.
ICAE 2024 in India
The ICAE is an important global gathering that brings together experts, researchers, and policymakers. The main focus of this conference is to discuss vital issues related to agriculture, food security, and economic development.
Historical Roots
- The last time India hosted the ICAE was in 1958 in Mysore.
- Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, was the chief guest.
- Interestingly, the ICAE was founded by Lord L. K. Elmhirst, a British agronomist influenced by Rabindranath Tagore’s vision for rural development.
Tagore believed in using education, music, and scientific training to uplift rural communities. This vision laid the foundation for the ICAE, which has since become a powerful force in agricultural economics.
Themes and Objectives
The conference aimed to tackle several pressing challenges facing the global agricultural community:
- Climate change
- Natural resource degradation
- Rising production costs
- Geopolitical conflicts
With around 1,000 delegates from 75 countries, the ICAE served as a platform for sharing knowledge, research findings, and best practices in agricultural economics.
India-Africa Partnership Highlighted in ICAE
A special session at the ICAE compared the experiences of major Indian states with those of 15 African countries from 2004-05 to 2019-20. This exchange of knowledge is vital for both regions.
Common Struggles
India and Africa share the challenge of ensuring food security for their populations. Both regions face difficulties such as:
- Climate change
- Population growth
- Geopolitical conflicts
Through collaboration, both can work towards sustainable food systems.
Learning from Each Other
Comparing Experiences
During a dedicated session, experiences from 20 major Indian states were compared with those from 15 African countries. The aim was to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
India has seen significant achievements, such as:
- The Green Revolution, which boosted crop productivity
- The White Revolution, which transformed dairy production
In contrast, Africa still faces food shortages, especially among children under five.
Addressing Nutritional Security
Both India and Africa face the urgent need to ensure proper nutrition for their populations. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, and both regions must work together to provide nourishing food.
Urbanisation and Changing Diets
Rapid urbanisation in both regions calls for innovative approaches to food production and distribution. As diets evolve, it is essential to balance traditional staples with diverse, nutritious foods. Both India’s and Africa’s rich culinary traditions can offer valuable lessons in this area.
Commercialization and Productivity
Africa is transitioning from subsistence farming to more commercialized and productive agriculture. India’s successful models, like cooperative dairy initiatives and innovations from smallholders, can inspire similar changes in Africa.
Why In News
Recently, India hosted the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) in Delhi, with the Prime Minister of India as the Chief Guest and the Union Agriculture Minister as the Guest of Honour, marking a momentous occasion as it was the first time in 65 years that this prestigious event was held in India, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the field of agricultural economics.
MCQs about The 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists in India
- What significant event took place in India recently?
A. Launch of a new agricultural policy
B. Hosting of the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE)
C. Introduction of a new farming technique
D. Establishment of a new agricultural university
- Who was the Chief Guest at the ICAE 2024?
A. Lord L. K. Elmhirst
B. Jawaharlal Nehru
C. The Union Agriculture Minister
D. The Prime Minister of India
- What was one of the main themes discussed at the ICAE?
A. Urban planning
B. Climate change and food security
C. Technological advancements in manufacturing
D. International trade agreements
- How do India and Africa benefit from the ICAE?
A. By reducing trade tariffs
B. By comparing agricultural practices and sharing knowledge
C. By establishing military alliances
D. By promoting tourism
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