The curtain raiser for the Sixth International Agronomy Congress (IAC) 2025 was held at Agni Hall, NASC Complex, New Delhi, setting the stage for a major three-day event dedicated to advancing sustainable agronomy for India’s future. The gathering included senior leadership from ICAR, the Indian Society of Agronomy, scientists from IARI, and media representatives, marking a collaborative platform to boost agronomic research and innovation.
Advancing Sustainable Agronomy in India
Dr. S.K. Sharma, President of the Indian Society of Agronomy, welcomed the audience and highlighted the Congress’s goal to foster scientific cooperation and policy linkages that could accelerate agronomic advancements nationwide. The event spotlighted the critical role agronomy plays in supporting resilient, efficient, and ecologically balanced agricultural systems.
Keynote Address on India’s Agricultural Achievements and Future Directions
Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, delivered the keynote address emphasizing India’s milestone achievements such as a record food grain production of 357.73 million tonnes and a remarkable 95 percent reduction in crop residue burning since 2020. He framed the Congress theme — “Re-Envisioning Agronomy for Smart Agri-Food Systems and Environmental Stewardship” — as a guiding vision to promote sustainable practices in agriculture.
Dr. Jat stressed the importance of system agronomy approaches, including natural and regenerative farming, alongside the integration of data-driven technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations are key to closing yield gaps, improving nutrient use efficiency, reducing import dependency, and enhancing overall sustainability within Indian agriculture.
Engagement with Participants and Forward-Looking Policy Integration
During the interactive session, Dr. Jat responded to queries, reassuring that recommendations emerging from the Congress would undergo prompt compilation and be integrated into national agricultural planning frameworks. This commitment underscores the Congress’s role in shaping practical and impactful policy measures.
Conclusion and Media Outreach Call
Dr. S.S. Rathore, Organizing Secretary of the Congress, concluded the event with a vote of thanks and emphasized the importance of extensive media coverage. He urged that the insights and outcomes of the IAC should reach farmers, policymakers and the scientific community to maximize impact on India’s agri-food systems.
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Source: PIB
