Day 2: G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists Focuses on Digital Agriculture and Millets

On 18 April, during the second day of the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) in Varanasi, discussions were held on two important topics: Digital Agriculture and Sustainable Agri Value Chain & Public-Private Partnership in Agricultural R&D. The participants also reviewed the MACS Communique.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who serves as both the Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) and chairs the MACS, led the discussions.

The discussions in the morning session centered on various agricultural and technological topics. These included digital agriculture and traceability, using digital solutions to reduce food loss and waste, fostering an agri-tech startup ecosystem, improving agricultural extension and advisory services through partnerships, promoting G20-Global South cooperation for agri-R&D in smallholder and family farming, and generating and accelerating innovations through public-private agri-R&D for public goods.

Dr. Pathak emphasized the importance of extending extension services to farmers through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra during a bilateral meeting with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (KVK). The FAO representatives expressed a strong desire to collaborate on extension services and praised India's robust seed sector, which could benefit other countries.

Later that evening, the delegates went to Sarnath's archaeological site and ASI Museum, where they saw a light and sound show.

Representatives from the G20, invited countries, and international organizations expressed support for India's Millets and Other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI) during a session focused on the initiative. They recognized the importance of promoting and adopting millets as a climate-smart crop and a superfood, and emphasized the need for international research collaboration to accomplish this goal.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak and Mr. Philippe Mauguin, Chair and CEO of the INRAE (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment) in France, led their respective delegations in a bilateral meeting between India and France.

Both countries have expressed a strong desire to work together on issues such as climate change, crop diversification, soil and water conservation, natural farming, and the cultivation of biofortified crops. The delegates were treated to a Ganges River cruise yesterday evening, during which they witnessed the Ganga Aarti, followed by a lively cultural program.

The three-day conference is attended by approximately 80 foreign delegates representing G20 member countries, invited guest countries, international organizations, and specially invited guests from India.

-PIB

Also Read:- 

Minister V K Singh Asks G20 Nations To Encourage Crop Diversification, Use Of Modern Digital Tools In Agriculture

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G20 – Meeting of Agri Chief Scientists To Be Held on April 17-19 in Varanasi