Context:

• The International Conference on "Transforming Agri-food Systems in the Face of Climate Change and Energy Transitions," was held recently at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

Key Points:

• The Conference marked a significant milestone in addressing the critical challenges posed by climate change to agricultural systems.
• Organized in collaboration with the Indian Ecological Society, the conference brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and international experts, to explore sustainable agricultural practices and innovative solutions for climate resilience.
• The event served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture. With the backdrop of increasing global food insecurity and environmental degradation, the conference aimed to foster partnerships and develop actionable strategies to enhance sustainability in agri-food systems. The discussions were framed around the pressing issues of climate change, energy transitions, and their implications for agriculture.

Thematic Focus

The conference was structured around several critical themes that reflect the multifaceted challenges of climate change in agriculture:

Climate change impacts on agriculture:

• The discussions highlighted the severe threats posed by climate change to global food security, including unpredictable weather patterns and extreme events.
• Participants analyzed the degradation of natural resources, emphasizing the need for improved farming practices that promote sustainability.
   

Sustainable agricultural strategies:

• The conference explored natural farming approaches that prioritize ecological balance and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
• Emphasis was placed on enhancing biodiversity and recognizing the importance of ecosystem services in agricultural productivity.