22-Jan-2018: Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference concluded
The recently ended Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference under the auspices of the 10th Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (organized by Federal Ministry of Agriculture) held in Germany affirmed to the role of ICT technologies as an important tool to agriculture, for example in improving water-use efficiency.
The theme of the meeting was “Agriculture and Water – Key to Feeding the World”, and pointed out that climate change, land degradation and many trends such as urbanisation, population growth, migration have increased the competition for the demand of water, resulting in the need for more ‘sustainable stewardship’ of water.
Statements on ICTs and water issues
With regards to improving water quality, the ministers intend to, “make available knowledge, technologies (including ICT) and experience relating to methods for the maintenance or improvement of water quality”, amongst the many measures proposed.
Likewise in reducing water scarcity risk, the ministers intend to, “foster the dissemination of ICT technologies as an important tool to improve agricultural water-use efficiency”. These statements show the pivotal role ICTs have been recognised in the management of water.
In conclusion, the agriculture ministers agreed that, they must strengthen efforts in the research and development of technologies, including ICT applications, to improve the efficiency of water use in agriculture.
Moreover, relevant UN organisations such as FAO, as well as OECD and World Bank Group to support information and dissemination on water and sustainable water management and technologies in agriculture; including other water policy level support.
The meeting was attended by agriculture ministers of 83 nations, as well as high-level representatives of international organisations such as the European Commission and the FAO. Together they adopted an ambitious communiqué and committed to a sustainable stewardship of water.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was represented by FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.
17-Jan-2018: 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture held Berlin.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is leading the Indian delegation to 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture from 18-20 January, 2018 which includes the 10th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference.
The theme of this year’s event is “Shaping the future of livestock – sustainably, responsibly, efficiently”. The discussions will focus on sustainable and productive animal production among other issues.
Bilateral meetings with counterparts of Germany, Uzbekistan and Argentina are proposed on the sideline of GFFA to discuss issues to further enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.
Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA)
The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) is an international conference that focuses on central questions concerning the future of the global agri-food industry. It is held during International Green Week (IGW) and will be taking place in its current shape for the eighth time. The forum gives representatives from the worlds of politics, business, science and civil society an opportunity to share ideas and enhance understanding on a selected topic of current agricultural policy. The GFFA is organised by the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMEL) in cooperation with GFFA Berlin, the Senate of Berlin and Messe Berlin GmbH.
Specific aspects of the GFFA’s main theme will be explored in more detail in different event formats. The opening event in 2018 will outline the key issue and explain how it will be addressed by the various GFFA events. The main events are the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference hosted by the BMEL, and the International Business Panel Discussion hosted by GFFA Berlin.
The Agriculture Ministers will convene in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy for the Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Conference (not public). With almost 90 ministers at the last conference, this is the world’s largest conference of agriculture ministers. A final communiqué representing the common position of the ministers is incorporated into the ongoing international discourse on agricultural policy.
The preliminary work for the main events is done on the preceding day in High Level Panels hosted by international organisations. The results of these meetings are incorporated into the final communiqué.
In expert panel discussions hosted by various organisers, the main theme is discussed from specific topical and regional perspectives. This ensures that the GFFA is closely meshed with current scientific thinking.
During the GFFA there will be a Cooperation Market where associations, companies, universities and the BMEL will showcase their activities in the agri-food sector. This – along with the Business Lounge – provides all the GFFA participants with an opportunity to withdraw from the bustle and conduct bilateral talks in a more relaxed atmosphere.
9-Dec-2017: ASEAN–India Connectivity Summit 2017
The ASEAN India Connectivity Summit (AICS) on the theme: Powering Digital and Physical Linkages for Asia in the 21st Century would be held on 11-12 December 2017 at New Delhi. The AICS is being organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with AIC and CII.
As a part of the celebratory events being organised to commemorate the silver jubilee of ASEAN-India dialogue partnership, the AICS aims to accelerate existing connectivity prospects; identify issues of concern, evolve suitable policy recommendations and develop strategies to enhance economic, industrial and trade relations between ASEAN and India. Its focus areas are Infrastructure, Roadways, Shipping, Digital, Finance, Energy and Aviation.