32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists

Event Details and Significance

• The 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) will be held from August 2-7, 2024, at the Pusa Institute in New Delhi.
• This marks India's return as host after 66 years, with the last conference in India held in Mysore in 1958.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event.
• The conference is a triennial event, with the 2021 edition held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Approximately 1,000 attendees are expected, including 740 international participants from 75 countries.
• Notable is the 45% female participation rate among delegates.

Conference Theme and Objectives

• The theme is "Transformation Towards Sustainable Agri-Food Systems."
• It aims to address complex agricultural issues and foster professional connections among researchers.
• The focus is on developing global food systems and moving towards health.
• Discussions will center on shifting from production-centric approaches to robust food systems that address malnourishment, hunger, and obesity.
• The conference will showcase India's progress from its challenges in 1958 to its current path towards becoming a developed nation.
• It will feature lectures, discussions, and exhibitions led by prominent agricultural economists.

Organizers and Key Figures

Organized by the International Association of Agricultural Economists in collaboration with:

• • Indian Society of Agricultural Economics
  • International Food Policy Research Institute
  • Agricultural Economics Research Association (India)
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research
  • Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research

Key figures involved:

• • Prof. Ramesh Chand, NITI Aayog Member
  • Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of ICAR
  • Mr. Shahidur Rashid, Director of IFPRI South Asia
  • Mr. P.K. Joshi, Conference Secretary
  • Dr. Pratap S. Birthal

Historical Context and Global Impact

• The International Conference of Agricultural Economists was established by Leonard Elmhirst of England in 1929.
• The first conference was held in Devon, England.
• It brings together leading agricultural economists and scholars to discuss global agricultural issues.
• The 1958 conference in India coincided with the country facing severe challenges like poverty and hunger.
• The 2024 conference will reflect on India's progress and its role in global agricultural economics.
• It aims to foster international collaboration and address global sustainability goals in agriculture.