National Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture held in Coimbatore

The PSG College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore, hosted a one-day National Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) on December 9, 2024. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the event brought together policymakers, researchers, and students to evaluate the progress and challenges of implementing sustainable agricultural practices in India.
Presided over by Dr. M Senguttuvan, Principal, and facilitated by Dr. T Kannaian, Secretary, the seminar was organised by the Department of Economics under the leadership of Dr. R Ravikumar and Dr. M Sampath. It focused on the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), an initiative addressing key issues like soil health, water conservation, and climate-resilient farming.
The inaugural session featured a keynote by Dr. D Suresh Kumar, Director at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, highlighting government policies and the need for systemic changes to promote sustainable practices. The valedictory session was addressed by Dr. S Chinnammai, Professor at the University of Madras.
The seminar received 256 research papers from across the country, discussed in three technical sessions. Eminent speakers, including Dr. K Jayaraman of Periyar University and Dr. S Ulaganathan of Guru Nanak College, explored topics ranging from precision farming to climate challenges.
Key discussions revolved around successful sustainable farming stories, barriers to widespread adoption, and the role of modern technology in enhancing resource efficiency. Participants emphasised the need for farmer education, improved infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
The seminar concluded with a call for scaling up initiatives and shaping policies to advance sustainable agriculture, aiming to ensure food security and environmental sustainability across India.