Kanpur: IIT Kanpur and two Vatican academies convened a two-day summit in Lucknow on Tuesday to discuss climate resilience and sustainable rural development, focusing on challenges facing Uttar Pradesh.The Regional Rural-India Summit on Regenerative Agriculture, Water and Energy for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation brought together policymakers, scientists, administrators and practitioners to examine ways to strengthen agriculture, improve water security and help rural communities adapt to climate change.Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi attended as chief guest. Ministers of State with independent charge Dinesh Pratap Singh, who holds horticulture, agricultural marketing, foreign trade and export, and Jayendra Pratap Singh Rathore, who heads cooperation, were guests of honour.Singh said shrinking landholdings and growing agricultural demand required scientific research, modern technologies and diversification. Horticulture, food processing and improved market linkages could raise farmers’ incomes and maximise returns from limited land, he said.Rathore called for region-specific solutions to climate and environmental challenges across Uttar Pradesh.IIT Kanpur director Prof Manindra Agrawal said fertile land was under pressure from shrinking holdings, declining water resources, pests and diseases, affecting yields and rural incomes. He said the summit sought to turn scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers, particularly in rain-fed areas.
About The Author
