Bringing together academia, policy, and practice, the 7th Agri Business Conclave & Awards 2026 served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of agriculture. Prof. Suman Kumar Dhar, Vice Chancellor of the TERI School of Advanced Studies, reflected on the significance of such collaborations in addressing the complex challenges facing global food systems.
He highlighted the role of education and institutions in shaping sustainable futures. He underlined the unique positioning of TERI SAS as a leading institution dedicated to sustainability-focused learning. “All our academic programmes… are aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”
This integrated approach, he noted, reflects a broader commitment to aligning education with the pressing needs of climate action, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
As discussions at the conclave centred on sustainable and inclusive agriculture, Prof. Dhar drew attention to the growing importance of scientific innovation. He highlighted specialised programmes in agricultural and microbial biotechnology, emphasising their role in building resilient agricultural systems.
At the same time, he placed India within the global agricultural landscape, pointing to its strengths and responsibilities. “India… is uniquely positioned to lead global efforts towards building sustainable and inclusive food systems.”
However, he was equally clear about the scale of the challenge. Climate change, resource constraints, and the need for equitable access to food demand solutions that go beyond national boundaries. “The challenges… are far too complex for any one nation to address alone.”
This, he stressed, makes collaboration indispensable—across borders, disciplines, and sectors.
One of the most striking aspects of his address was his emphasis on the often-overlooked, interconnected impacts of climate change. Using the example of early flowering patterns in Himalayan regions, he illustrated how even subtle environmental shifts can trigger cascading effects. “Agriculture does not function in isolation… if these cycles fall out of sync, the consequences can be severe.”
Such disruptions, he explained, extend beyond visible crises, pointing to a deeper, more silent transformation underway across ecosystems. “We often notice only the visible disruptions, while many silent and interconnected impacts continue unnoticed.”
Moving beyond diagnosis, Prof. Dhar called for a shift in approach—from dialogue to action. “Platforms like today’s conclave are not only important for dialogue but must also lead to meaningful action.”
He emphasised the need to translate discussions into tangible outcomes that can make a real difference on the ground, particularly for farmers and communities most affected by these challenges.
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