Ludhiana 17 March 2024-The 47^th Vice-Chancellors’ Convention with the theme “Food and Nutritional Security and Farmers’ Welfare: Vision India-2047 and Beyond” under the aegis of Indian Agricultural University Association (IAUA) was commenced on 17^th March 2024 at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana. The inaugural function was decorated by dignitaries including Padma Bhushan Dr. RS Paroda, Chairman, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), New Delhi, and Former Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as Chief Guest, Padma Shree Dr. G. S Khush, Father of Rice Revolution and World Food Prize Awardee as Special Guest; Dr. RC Agrawal, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, New Delhi as Guest of Honour; Dr. Rameshwar Singh, President, IAUA and Vice Chancellor, Bihar Animal Sciences University; Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Vet Varsity and Patron of the event and Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Executive Secretary, IAUA.

Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor welcomed dignitaries on the dais, as well as the Vice Chancellors and other officials representing various agricultural Universities in India. He said that this convention would serve as a podium for drafting the recommendations and policies to uplift agriculture and livestock farming communities of our nation. In his keynote address, Dr. R. S. Paroda discussed the manifold developmental impact of Green, White, Blue and Rainbow revolutions in India. He suggested strategies for farmers' security, for example, healthy soils and good water, timely supply of inputs, good knowledge and efficient extension services, access to low-rate credit, linking to markets for better income and respect and dignity of farming communities. Dr. G. S. Khush in his address stated that we should recruit professionals with high leadership qualities and morals to develop world class institutions.

Dr. R.C. Agrawal informed that the trend to get higher education in agriculture has been on rise, and most of the startups in India are from the agriculture and livestock background. He also emphasized the need for digital initiatives in agriculture education. Dr. Rameshwar Singh described the role of IAUA in providing a common place for various Agricultural universities or other bodies (national or international) in matters of their common interest. He also mentioned that there are several challenges in agriculture and livestock sectors, including climatic change, hindrance in marketing chain, and alienation of youth from farming. In the inaugural session, five researchers from different Universities were awarded with IAUA Best Thesis Awards.

Dr, S.K Uppal, Convener of the event and Dean PGS of the University thanked all the dignitaries, Vice-Chancellors, other officials and progressive farmers, press & media for attending the event, and providing their inputs. Dr. Y.P.S Malik, Organizing Secretary informed that more than 30 Vice-chancellors from Agricultural Universities, a galaxy of stalwarts of the Agriculture and Livestock sectors, battery of progressive farmers, professionals, Deans, Directors and faculty members attended the convention. Dr. S.P.S Ghuman, Organizing Secretary mentioned that scientists, professional and other stakeholders shared their experiences and knowledge in three technical sessions with the themes “Human Resource and Infrastructure”, “Climate Smart Food Systems” and “Farmers - Entrepreneurs - Scientists Interface”. He also informed that this convention will be continued for the next two days, 18^th and 19^th March, 2024 with brainstorming discussions on ‘Biodiversity and National Resources Conservation to face climate change’ and ‘Towards Zero Waste’.