Shimla, March 18: Experts at an international conference in Shimla on Tuesday stressed that the future of agriculture lies in combining modern technology with sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The three-day International Conference on Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry and Allied Sciences (ICAHFAS-2026), jointly organised by ISAHRD, New Delhi, and the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), began here with wide-ranging deliberations.
Inaugurating the conference, Sanjay Chauhan, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Bank, said agriculture remains the backbone of India, sustaining a majority of the population.
He stressed that the sector today goes far beyond foodgrain production, catering to basic human needs while supporting the economy.
Highlighting the impact of modern advancements, he said improved seeds, irrigation systems and scientific practices have significantly enhanced productivity and profitability.
Chauhan also pointed to the vast potential of horticulture—including fruits, vegetables, flowers and medicinal plants—not only in ensuring nutritional security but also in raising farmers’ incomes, generating employment and strengthening exports.
HFRI Director Dr Manisha Thapliyal underlined the critical importance of forestry in maintaining ecological balance, stating that forests play a vital role in oxygen supply, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
At a time when climate change has emerged as a global challenge, she said, forestry assumes even greater significance.
She called for intensified efforts in afforestation, conservation and sustainable forest management.
Thapliyal also highlighted the role of allied sectors such as fisheries, animal husbandry and beekeeping in strengthening the rural economy and diversifying income sources.
Emphasising the need for innovation, she said modern technologies like biotechnology, drones, artificial intelligence and data analysis must be harnessed to improve productivity and ensure efficient resource management.
Dr D.P. Bhadwal, CEO and founder of Just Agriculture Education Group, said around 125 scientists and researchers from across the country are participating in the conference.
He stressed that agriculture, horticulture, forestry and allied sciences are not merely avenues of development but fundamental to human existence and future security.
He called for greater adoption, conservation and innovation in these sectors to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.
Himachal Pradesh University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahavir Prasad struck a broader note, saying that balancing science with humanity is the need of the hour.
While science has made life more convenient, secure and advanced, he said, it must be guided by ethical values, sensitivity and coexistence.
He cautioned that development driven solely by technology remains incomplete without a human touch, and stressed that scientific progress should be aligned with environmental protection and social harmony.
Addressing the youth, he advised using social media constructively without becoming dependent on it, limiting screen time and prioritising physical activity.
He also highlighted the close relationship between science and spirituality, calling them two sides of the same coin essential for holistic human development.
Conference coordinator Dr Pawan Kumar, Senior Scientist at HFRI, said the core objective of the conference is to explore innovative and sustainable solutions through a multidisciplinary approach.
He noted that experts, scientists and researchers will deliberate on emerging research, technological advancements and practical interventions in agriculture, forestry and environmental conservation, while also fostering coordination among stakeholders.
The conference will continue till March 20, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and policy dialogue at a time when climate and sustainability challenges are becoming increasingly urgent.
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