33rd Annual Conference of AERA Organised at ICAR–NAARM

The 33rd Annual Conference of the Agricultural Economics Research Association (AERA) was held at the ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, from December 1–3, 2025. Organized in collaboration with IFPRI–South Asia, ICRISAT and RIS, the conference revolved around the themes “Innovations in Agribusiness, Empowering Women in Agriculture, and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.” The event brought together leading researchers, policymakers, academicians and industry stakeholders for high-level discussions through inaugural and valedictory sessions, symposia, memorial lectures, technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations and policy dialogues.

Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, graced the inaugural session as Chief Guest and delivered an insightful address on agricultural policy priorities, technological transformation and strategies to enhance farmer income and resilience in the context of Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, and Dr. A.K. Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, attended as Guests of Honour and shared perspectives on institutional support, policy frameworks and emerging opportunities for India’s agricultural sector.

During the inaugural session, Dr. P.K. Joshi, President, AERA, emphasized the significance of the conference themes, while Dr. Anjani Kumar, Secretary, AERA, presented a brief history of the association. 

Conference President Dr. Samarendu Mohanty delivered the Presidential Address, highlighting the evolving role of agricultural economists in addressing national priorities and fostering innovation-driven agri-food systems.

Dr. Gopal Lal, Director, ICAR–NAARM, noted the special relevance of hosting the conference as NAARM celebrates its Golden Jubilee year.

A major highlight of the event was the Dr. G.K. Chadha Memorial Lecture delivered by Prof. Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman, CACP, on “Agricultural Price Policy in India: Evolution, Issues and Challenges.”

Three special symposia, panel discussions and policy dialogues were organized by ICAR-NAARM, IFPRI, RIS and ICRISAT, addressing a range of contemporary issues. In the Plenary Session, convenors presented summaries of the research papers presented under their respective themes.

The session featured an address by Chief Guest Prof. S. Mahendra Dev, Chairman, EAC–PM, on “Agriculture Sector Policies for Achieving the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Across the three days, more than 150 research papers and posters were presented, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations and innovations in agricultural economics. The conference fostered meaningful collaboration among academia, industry and government, reinforcing its role in shaping India’s agricultural policy and research landscape.

The event witnessed participation from around 350 delegates, reflecting the growing interest of young scholars in the discipline.

(Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad)