Banaras Hindu: Global Experts to Meet at BHU for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Conference
Banaras Hindu : University is preparing to host a major international gathering focused on the future of farming under changing climate conditions. The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the university’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences will organize the International Conference on Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Development, Innovations and Solutions from February 5 to February 7. The event is being held in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines, bringing together expertise from India and abroad to discuss practical and policy-driven responses to climate change in agriculture.
Focus on climate challenges and agricultural transformation
The three-day conference is designed to draw attention to the growing pressures climate variability places on food systems worldwide. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events have made agricultural resilience a central concern for researchers and policymakers alike. Organizers say the conference will provide a platform to exchange ideas on adapting farming practices, strengthening crop performance, and ensuring long-term food security in a sustainable manner.
Broad participation from India and overseas
According to the organizing committee, more than 500 participants are expected to attend the conference. The audience will include scientists, academic researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, research scholars, and progressive farmers. Delegates are anticipated from 23 Indian states as well as several other countries, including the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, Serbia, and Nepal. This diverse participation is intended to encourage cross-regional learning and highlight how climate challenges and solutions vary across different agro-ecological settings.
Leadership and coordination of the event
The conference is being convened by Shravan Kumar Singh, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, with J. Jorben serving as the Organising Secretary. The leadership team has emphasized collaboration between research institutions and practical stakeholders as a defining feature of the event. They believe that bringing scientists and farmers into the same discussions will help bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and field-level application.
Key themes and areas of discussion
Deliberations during the conference will cover a wide range of contemporary topics in agricultural science and policy. Sessions will explore climate-smart agriculture approaches, sustainable crop production systems, and recent advances in genomics and plant breeding. Other key areas include the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in farming, efficient natural resource management, and the role of agricultural entrepreneurship in driving rural resilience. Together, these themes aim to reflect both technological progress and socio-economic dimensions of climate adaptation.
Institutional support and expert collaboration
The conference has received strong backing from the university leadership. Vice Chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, who serves as the Chief Patron of the event, has conveyed his best wishes for its success. Professor U. P. Singh, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, described the conference as a timely initiative that aligns closely with global efforts to address climate-related risks in agriculture. Support is also being provided by senior scientist Dr. Swati Nayak and her team at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, who are assisting with planning and technical coordination.
Expected outcomes and long-term relevance
Organizers believe the conference will contribute meaningfully to shaping future agricultural strategies at both national and international levels. By fostering dialogue among researchers, decision-makers, and practitioners, the event aims to generate actionable insights that can inform policy frameworks and on-ground interventions. The hosting institutions have expressed confidence that the conference will serve as an important milestone in advancing climate-resilient agriculture and encouraging sustained collaboration across borders.