Varanasi: Dialogue and collaboration among farmers, scientists and industry are the need of the hour, and real transformation is only possible when these three come together, experts said at the two-day “Agro-Industries, Academia & Farmers Conference – 2026” organised by the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU at Shatabdi Bhawan on Saturday.The conference witnessed participation from farmers, industry representatives, startups, scientists, research institutions, and students from across the nation. Vice-chancellor, Prof. Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, said that such platforms go beyond knowledge exchange and help build practical understanding through direct interaction among students, farmers, and industry stakeholders.Prof. Samar Singh, former vice-chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh University stressed on the importance of coordination among farmers, scientists, and industry, along with the growing role of technological innovations in the current scenario.P. K. Chakraborty, former ADG (Plant Protection), ICAR, New Delhi, spoke in detail about agricultural production, food security, policy initiatives, and technology transfer, while suggesting integrated efforts to address future challenges.An exhibition was also organised alongside the conference, providing participants with a platform to showcase their products, technologies and innovations, and to share their ideas directly with farmers, scientists and investors.The exhibits included a range of innovations such as tools for irrigation, agricultural drones, ‘Mahamana Prasadam’ laddoos prepared by the students, Tulsi-based herbal ice cream, and ‘Vermango Bliss’, along with other products developed by the Department of Dairy Science and Food Technology.More than 50 stalls were set up, displaying diverse agricultural technologies and products, thereby offering valuable practical exposure to the participants.
