Kochi (Kerala) [India], October 8 (ANI): Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala will inaugurate the 16th Agricultural Science Congress in Kochi on Oct 10, an official statement said on Sunday.

The primary aim is to generate a scientific discourse about transforming India's agri-food systems to facilitate its benefits for generations to come.

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Renowned agricultural economists, scientists, policymakers, academicians, farmers and entrepreneurs are set to converge in the city for four days from Tuesday (Oct 10) to attend the 16th Agricultural Science Congress (ASC), as per the statement.

Organised by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the Agricultural Science Congress is being held for the first time in Kerala, hosted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

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The Congress will discuss 10 thematic areas, including all issues related to agriculture and allied areas and sustainability issues on land and water, agricultural production systems, products, agricultural machinery, climate action, economics, renewable or alternative energy, precision farming, alternative farming systems, coastal agriculture, next-generation technologies, etc.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will deliver the presidential address.

P Prasad, Minister for Agriculture, Kerala; Hibi Eden MP; Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority; and K V Shaji, Chairman of NABARD will be the guests of honour. Prof. Panjab Singh, former President of the NAAS will deliver Dr AB Joshi Memorial Lecture.

A line-up of renowned experts, including Dr. Madhur Gautam, lead economist of World Bank; Dr. Krishna Ella, CMD of Bharat Biotech; Dr Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices; Dr Prabhu Pingali, founding director of Tata Cornell Institute; Dr Rishi Sharma from FAO; and Dr Kadambot Siddique will lead various sessions.

With a comprehensive agenda, the 16th ASC will feature five plenary lectures by prominent figures in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. The Congress will also host three panel discussions and four symposiums covering an array of topics, including coastal agriculture and livelihood, mainstreaming millets, and youth empowerment and gender equity. A key highlight of the 16th ASC will be the Farmer-Scientist Interface session, facilitating a direct exchange of knowledge and experiences between the farming community and leading researchers.

The Congress will witness the convergence of over 1500 delegates from India and abroad. An Agri Expo to be held on the side-line of the event will showcase innovative agricultural technologies of public and private sector research institutes, universities, agro-industries, extension agencies and NGOs. (ANI)

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