Announcement. Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) Sustainable Agricultural Growth for Improving Rural Livelihood Security

Transcription

1 Announcement Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) 21st Annual AERA Conference Sustainable Agricultural Growth for Improving Rural Livelihood Security September, 2013 Organisers Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Main Campus, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K)

2 About the Association Agricultural Economics Research Association (India), a registered society which came into being in 1987, has on date more than 670 life members, 60 ordinary members, more than 115 institutional members and 25 honorary life members from India and abroad. The mandate of the Association is to promote the study of agricultural economics in particular and socio-economic problems in general. The Association has been regularly publishing a six-monthly research Journal Agricultural Economics Research Review since Besides refereed research articles, comprehensive review articles in the area of agricultural economics (including horticulture and fisheries), conference/symposia proceedings and book reviews are also published in the Journal. To encourage the young researchers, abstracts of M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses in agricultural economics are also published in the Journal. The Association has been successfully organizing national conferences regularly on topical policy issues, the proceedings of which are published. The Association also undertakes sponsored research studies. Over the years, the Association has attained a wide visibility and professional credibility. The official journal of the Association, namely, Agricultural Economics Research Review, has been highly rated by National Academy of Agricultural Science, New Delhi. Address for correspondence Secretary Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) F-4, A Block, NASC Complex Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa, New Delhi aeraindia@gmail.com Webpage: Executive Committee President : Dr. P.G. Chengappa President-Elect : Dr. V.P.S. Arora (AERA Conference 2013) Vice Presidents : Dr. K.C. Hiremath, Dr. Praduman Kumar Secretary : Dr. Suresh Pal Treasurer : Dr. V.C. Mathur Joint Secretaries : Dr. Anjani Kumar, Dr. M.H. Wani Members : Dr. Anil Kumar Dixit, Dr. (Ms) Nikita Gopal, Dr. (Ms) Manjeet Kaur, Dr. V.R. Kiresur, Dr. N.P. Singh, Dr. R.K.P. Singh, Dr. Smita Sirohi, Dr. K.C. Talukdar Editorial Board Agricultural Economics Research Review Chairman : Dr. S.S. Acharya Chief Editor : Dr. Ramesh Chand Managing Editor : Dr. Pratap S. Birthal Members : Dr. J.R. Anderson, Dr. Derek Byerlee, Dr. R.S. Deshpande, Dr. Madhur Gautam, Dr. Kisan Gunjal, Dr. Girish Jha, Dr. P.K. Joshi, Dr. M. Krishnan, Dr. Surabhi Mittal, Dr. S. Mohanty, Dr. K. Palanisami, Dr. P. Parthasarthy Rao, Dr. R.S. Sidhu, Dr. H.S. Vijay Kumar

3 About the Conference Topic: Sustainable Agricultural Growth for Improving Rural Livelihood Security Agricultural growth has been an important issue attracting attention of economists and other social scientists. However, the context has been changing, and in the recent past agricultural growth is discussed in the context of its acceleration, stability and inclusiveness relating to hitherto neglected areas and sections of the society, particularly the farming community. The forthcoming conference will encourage discussions on this topic with a focus on achieving the target growth with stability and without adversely affecting natural resources, particularly water and soils, participation of disadvantageous (small and women) farmers/agricultural labourers and production systems in the growth process, and the overall impact of growth in enhancing rural livelihoods and reducing poverty. The topic will be discussed with reference to the following broad issues: Analysis of recent trends in agricultural growth and instability The paper contributors may analyze current trends in agricultural growth and instability with disaggregation of commodities (crops, horticulture, livestock, fisheries, etc.), states, farm/enterprise sizes, etc. There has been an acceleration of agricultural growth in the XI FYP with wide year-to-year fluctuations and some of the slow-growing states have shown impressive performance. The underlying factors for these growth and instability trends may be examined in detail. In particular, composition, intensity and efficiency of public investment, governance reforms/efficiency, spread of technology, access to input markets, price incentives, infrastructure, weather factors, etc. may be examined. Analysis of nature and extent of inclusiveness in agricultural growth in recent years The second important issue is the inclusiveness of agricultural growth. In the context of overall economic growth, any advancement in agriculture generally promotes inclusiveness. But within the agricultural sector, growth in rainfed (both wet and dryland), tribal, and hill agriculture, coastal agriculture/fisheries promotes inclusiveness. The same holds true for commodities grown by small farmers/livestock holders/fishers, including women and agricultural labourers. In this context, analysis of livestock, fisheries, horticultural crops and traditional crops assumes importance. How do small farmers involved in the production of these commodities overcome diseconomies of scale and access to markets, public services, credit, etc.? What are the technological and institutional options available to them and how these can be mobilized by them to participate in the growth process? Empirical evidence on group farming in southern India, and reverse tenancy in the northern India may be collected and examined. Analysis of nature and extent of natural resources decline and degradation in the context of agricultural growth Sustainability issues relating to decline and degradation of natural resources (land, water and agrobiodiversity) are relevant in the context of agricultural growth. These issues essentially focus on the evaluation, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources (land and protection of environment). How far has the growth process adversely affected the resource base? The increasing trend towards diversion of productive agricultural land to non-agricultural uses needs attention and analysis. On the positive side, a number of ecosystem services are being offered by agriculture (food, forage, bio-energy, pharmaceuticals, aesthetics, soil retention, carbon sequestration, etc.). How can these be quantified and incentives provided to farmers to enhance flow of these services? A more recent concern, which has been less analysed by the economists so far, is the likely impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. Also, there is lack of information on the management of agricultural wastes and meeting the demand for commercial energy. Technological and policy options to address these rather long-term challenges can be analyzed in detail. The cost associated with the mitigation and adaptation strategy for climate change would be of great interest to policy markers. 1

4 Agriculture and rural-nonfarm linkages for promoting rural livelihood security Agriculture and rural non-farm linkages are extremely useful for promoting diversification of rural livelihood options and reducing rural poverty. The trend towards agro-processing, primary processing, secondary agriculture in and around villages as rural employment and growth hubs, needs documentation and analysis. What are the trends in these linkages and what are the pull and push factors for promotion of rural non-farm sector? What is the profile of workers leaving agriculture and are they getting adequate employment outside agriculture? In case they are self-employed in rural non-farm jobs/enterprises like beekeeping, vermincomposting, custom-hiring of machinery and equipments and other rural agricultural services, rural arts and crafts, etc., sources for meeting their training, capital/credit, marketing and other requirements can be spelled out. Gender mainstreaming for accelerated, inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth Gender mainstreaming is essential for inclusive and sustainable growth, but limited information is available on this topic. The paper contributors can quantify the role and actual participation of women in agriculture, including resource management, nutrition and family welfare. What is the progress in terms of increasing access of women to productive resources like land, control over household income and participation in the decisions making. How far the group-based interventions have improved the access of women to public services, credit and capacity building? Are there enough evidences on social, legal and policy interventions for empowerment of women which can be replicated on a large scale? These are some of the broader, indicative issues for the consideration of paper contributors. However, contributed papers on the following specific themes would greatly enhance discussions at the Conference: Specific Themes 1. Regional and commodity growth performance with the analysis of underlying sources of growth and instability (investment, resources, technology, incentive, etc.). 2. Trends in agricultural investment (public, corporate and household), foreign direct investment, investment priorities and their impacts on agriculture. 3. Agricultural productivity growth on small and other disadvantageous farmers and their options to link with product markets. 4. Innovations in conservation and sustainable use of natural resources (water, biodiversity, common lands, etc.), and methods to assess the ecosystem services and environmental externalities. 5. Changes in agricultural land-use pattern and their implications for growth, diversification and sustainability. 6. Trends in rural non-farm sector and its linkages with agriculture and impact on poverty reduction. 7. Quantification of contribution of women in the management of resources and farm production, and their empowerment through enhancing access to productive assets and services, control over household income and participation in the decision-making. 8. Strategy, resource needs and technological options to meet the long-term challenges of climate change, energy and resource degradation. 9. Future agricultural growth pathways, economic viability of small farmers and role of the government. 10. Rural-urban income disparity, agriculture-nutrition-health linkages, and secondary agriculture. 11. Advancements in science and technology for promoting agricultural growth which is efficient, inclusive and environmentally sound. 2

5 All these issues will be discussed during the 21st AERA Annual Conference to be held at Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar (J&K) during September, Last Date and Mode of Submission of Papers: 30th June 2013 Research papers (in duplicate) typed in double space and accompanied invariably by an Abstract of the paper in not more than 200 words may be sent to the Secretary, AERA, F-4, A Block, NASC Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa, New Delhi The soft copies may also be sent at aeraindia@gmail.com. The length of the paper should not exceed 20 pages including tables, figures, annexures, etc. in double space. A few selected papers and abstracts of the recommended papers will be published in the Conference issue of the Journal, AERR. Dr R.T. Doshi Awards It may be noted that two prizes (1st and 2nd) instituted by Dr R. T. Doshi Foundation, Pune, will be awarded to the best presentations of submitted papers (papers submitted only in abstract form are not eligible) during the annual conference. The presentations should preferably be in power point for the duration of 10 minutes. Dr Doshi Foundation also awards two prizes every year to the best articles published in the Agricultural Economics Research Review. Members are advised to take advantage of these initiatives. Date and Venue of Conference Date: 10-12, September 2013 Venue: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar Boarding and Lodging Participants are requested to report at the Reception Counter located at Kamad Guest House at the main Shalimar Campus of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, which will be functional during 9-12 September, They will be provided accommodation in University Guest Houses and Hotels. Delegates are requested to take a prepaid taxi from airport or Tourist Reception Centre to the University Guest House. The tariff is about Rs 800 from airport and Rs 300 from Tourist Reception Centre. It may be noted that university accommodation will be provided on twin sharing basis on payment as per the rates fixed by the university. The participants travelling with their families must keep in mind that not more than one single room will be provided to one delegate. Since the university accommodation is limited, booking will be on first- come- first- served basis. Rest of the delegates will have to be accommodated in hotels. Being a tourist place, the participants are requested to ensure booking of accommodation well in advance. One day s tariff may please be sent (one month before), by 10 th of August, 2013 to ensure the booking of accommodation which is a pre-condition put by the hoteliers, or otherwise delegates may book hotels on line. The tariff details given below are indicative and are valid only up to 10 th of August 2013, for advance booking purpose. The rates may vary thereafter. Category Rate (Rs/day) I II III IV V

6 Registration The duly filled-in registration form along with registration fee (which includes registration kit and working lunch) may be sent through crossed demand draft / multicity cheque drawn in favour of Organising Secretary, 21 st Annual Conference of Agricultural Economics Research Association payable at Srinagar, to Professor M.H. Wani, Rajiv Gandhi Chair, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K). The breakfast and dinner will be arranged on request in the respective guest houses against cash payment. The bank details for e-transactions are: J&K Bank: SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Srinagar, J&K. IFSC/RTGS Code: JAKA0SKUAST (Please read zero after JAKA) Account No.: SBG Registration Fee for Delegates National Foreign AERA Member : Rs 2500/- US $ 150/- Non-Member : Rs 3000/- US $ 175/- Student Member : Rs 1500/- Student Non-member : Rs 2000/- Accompanying Person : Rs 2500/- Contact for Conference Prof. M. H. Wani Organising Secretary 21st AERA Conference 2013 SKUAST-K Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K) Ph. (O): , (M): rgckashmir@gmail.com; aera.conf.2013@gmail.com 4

7 Programme of the Conference Day 1: 10 September, :1000 Registration 1000:1130 Inaugural Function 1130:1200 Inaugural Tea 1200:1330 Technical Sessions 1330:1430 Lunch 1430:1730 Technical Sessions 1800:1900 Editorial Board Meeting 1900:2130 Cultural Programme 1930:2000 Executive Committee Meeting 2100:2200 Dinner Day 2: 11 September, :1100 Technical Sessions 1100:1115 Tea 1115:1330 Technical Sessions 1330:1430 Lunch 1430:1630 Symposium (Regional Topic) 1630:1645 Tea 1700:1830 General Body Meeting of AERA 2100:2200 Dinner Day 3: 12 September, :1030 Valedictory Session 1030:1045 Tea 1100:1300 Symposium (CGIAR) 1300:1400 Lunch 1400:1700 Field Trip AGENDA for General Body Meeting 1. To approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Body Meeting held on 10 November, 2012 at IARI, New Delhi 2. To approve the reports of the Secretary and the Treasurer of the Association for the Year , as approved by the Executive Committee 3. To elect office bearers of the Association for the next year 4. To finalize a new Editorial Board for the Journal 5. To decide about honorary Life Membership of the Association 6. To finalize topic for next year s AERA conference 7. To decide the venue for the next AERA conference 8. Any other item with the permission of the Chair 9. Vote of thanks 5

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9 21 st Annual Conference Agricultural Economics Research Association (India) Theme Sustainable Agricultural Growth for Improving Rural Livelihood Security September, 2013 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar REGISTRATION FORM Name: Designation: Mailing Address Telephone: Accommodation needed (Please Tick) From Organizers Your Own No. of accompanying members Name Relation Registration Fee (a) Draft Particulars (b) Cash at the time of registration Arrival Information Date Expected time: Mode & details Departure Information Date Expected time: Mode & details Place: Date: Signature Note: The Members must send their Registration Form for making necessary arrangements by 10 th August, 2013 to: Dr. M. H. Wani, Organising Secretary, 21st AERA Conference 2013, SKUAST-K Shalimar, Srinagar, Kashmir (J&K) Ph.(O): ; (M)

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