The 33rd Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA) opened on Monday at NAARM, spotlighting innovations in agribusiness, women’s empowerment and climate-resilient agriculture.

Chief Guest Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, stressed the need for innovation-led growth, market access for rural women, and reducing farm emissions. He noted women’s rising participation in agriculture and the steady growth of the farm sector.

ICRISAT DG Himanshu Pathak highlighted the vast potential for innovation across agri-food systems and urged stronger collaborations, investment and release of climate-resilient crop varieties.

AERA leaders Anjani Kumar and P K Joshi outlined the association’s expanding global footprint and India’s shift from deficit to export-oriented agriculture, calling for rainbow policies to drive future progress.

Speakers including Samarendu Mohanty and NABARD’s A K Sood emphasized adaptation to global change and support for women, startups and technological adoption.