Shillong, Oct 12: The 77th Annual Conference of Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, Mumbai being organized by the College of Post-Graduate Studies, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) began at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam on Thursday.

The three-day conference organized in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam will conclude on October 14.

The inaugural function was graced by Dr. R. S. Paroda, Director General, ICAR, in the presence of Dr. Y.K. Alagh, Chancellor, Gujarat Central University and former Vice-Chancellor, JNU, Prof. Abhijit Sen, Professor of Economics, JNU and Former Member of Planning Commission, Prof. M. Premjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Central Agricultural University, Imphal and a hosts of renowned economists of the country working in agricultural sector.
Prof M. Premjit Singh, in his inaugural address highlighted the progress and success of the University during the last few years. Central Agriculture University, Imphal with 13 colleges across seven states has already made an impact in the country.

Dr. Paroda described the NE Region a “sleeping giant” in Indian agricultural sector, and said that the country was looking towards the region for the next green revolution.

Dr. Paroda also expressed his satisfaction to see the progress of the University, the seed of which he has planted.

Green revolution in India had policy support and infrastructural development particularly in irrigation sector. India is however now facing the second generation problems of low factor productivity, polluted environment and high incidence of diseases and pests.
Scientists observed that inspite of good economic progress of the country, India still has the highest number of malnourished and hungry people, which should be pondered about.

Prof. Y K. Alagh highlighted issues faced by the country in the new paradigm of planning.

He said that the Planning Commission was the past, and the NITI Ayog is in place.

“Unfortunately NITI Ayog is yet to come up with action plans for agricultural sector. The present dispensation is definitely committed to agricultural development but a clear roadmap in this direction is needed. Everyone agrees the idea of doubling farmers’ income but at the same time, the government has to increase the investment in the agriculture.,” he said.

To improve agriculture, it was suggested to the NITI Ayog to have proper action plans on demography, energy and land & water. Further, like China, the NITI Ayog may also be given the power to allocate fund for agricultural development. The allocation in agriculture was steadily increasing under subsequent planning commission but under NITI Ayog such policy is not visible.

Prof Alagh gave much emphasis on water resource development and water management framework for sustainable development. Water is under concurrent sector; hence a concerted effort is needed for rapid and sustainable development.

Agriculture has to contribute considerably towards GDP, if India has to progress sustainably. Water and energy are the two pillars which will set the growth rate improve.