17, Dec, 2024
VIGNAN - AGRICULTURE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
T. Vijay Kumar, executive vice-chairman of the Farmers' Empowerment Organisation and advisor to the AP government's Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and former IAS officer, said that the farmers' empowerment organisation is primarily aimed at working for the welfare, development of agriculture, and improving livelihood of farmers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Apari (Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes) and European Plant Health Research and Coordination, Department of School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Vadlamudi Vignan’s University, Chebrolu mandal, will jointly organize a two-day international conference on "Plant Health in Asia: Research Priorities and Partnerships" on Tuesday. It started off in a grand manner. T Vijay Kumar, executive vice-chairman of the Farmers' Empowerment Society and advisor to the AP government's Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and former IAS officer, who was the chief guest at the event, said that financial and technical assistance, free advice and guidelines would be provided to the farmers. Along with this, organic farming will also be encouraged.
He also said that organic methods will be promoted as an alternative to chemical farming and awareness will also be created on organic fertilizers, seeds and methods. Subsidies for agricultural inputs to farmers, implementation of crop insurance schemes, diversification of crops, encouraging farmers to cultivate different types of crops and marketing facilities will be provided. We will implement policies to conserve soil, water and natural resources, reduce harmful practices and promote eco-friendly practices. Our aim is to provide training to farmers on new farming practices, create awareness on infrastructure and modern practices and promote farmers' self-respect. Achieving rural development by improving the livelihood of farmers is part of our goals. Schemes like Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bharosa will be implemented effectively. He said the Farmers' Empowerment Organisation will play a key role in reviving the agriculture sector in Andhra Pradesh and improving the living standards of farmers. Dr Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director, Apari, Bangkok, who was also the chief guest at the event, said there was a need to adopt modern practices in the agro-food system, from food production to consumption.
The use of field sensors, drones and digital methods is more visible in protecting the health of trees. These technologies will help in detecting diseases instantly in agricultural areas and preventing them, he said. Based on smartphones and data analytics, it is possible to predict insect attacks in advance and take timely action. He said that by adopting plans to reduce chemical use and promote nature-based solutions, it will not only benefit plant health but also soil health. Digital agriculture, with the help of technologies like AI and IoT, will not only improve agricultural yields but will also help in the production of plant-friendly food items. Organic and innovative methods can promote plant health as well as natural health. Dr Baldissera Jivani, Coordinator, European Phytossani Research Coordination, who was also the chief guest at the event, said that the European Phytosanitary Research will coordinate research projects through European Phytosanitary Research and help researchers from different countries to work together in tree health related research projects. The institute is doing research and providing scientific evidence in supporting plant health practices and improving European policies on plant health. Our organization works to identify, monitor and manage plant and livestock diseases and pests that pose a threat to agriculture and forests. It will help in enhancing cooperation between European and international researchers and institutions. This will help in solving the problems of plant health across the world. It will play a key role in effectively preventing and managing plant diseases and pests to improve agricultural production and environmental sustainability.
As part of the international conference, topics such as Agri Entrepreneurship and Public Private Farmers' Partnership for Plant Health, Artificial Intelligence and IoT for Plant Health Management, Plant Health Advocacy in Asia, Changing Pest Sinario, Epidemiology, Forecasting and Monitoring in Relation to Climate Change were discussed. Dr. Baldissera Jeevani, Coordinator, European Phytosanitary Research Coordination, Dr. K.S. Varaprasad, Project Manager, ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad, Dr. Paul W.J. Taylor, Technical Coordinator, Asari, Dr. Paul W.J. Taylor, Regional Director, South Asia Cabbi International, Dr. Vinod Pandit, Chairman of Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. P. Nagabhushan, Vice-Chancellor of the University. Heads and research students participated.
