IFMR Graduate School of Business (GSB), Krea University, in partnership with the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) and the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI), hosted an international conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainable Development in South Asia. Held from March 17 to 18, 2025, at the Krea University campus, the event brought together leading scholars, researchers, and policymakers to address the challenges of climate change and its impact on agriculture.
The conference opened with an inaugural lecture by Professor K Narayanan, Professor and Head, Economics, IIT Bombay on Understanding the Linkages Between Climate Change and Economic Development: Lessons from India. His address set the stage for in-depth discussions on climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices.
A key highlight was the plenary session on Climate Change, Food Security, and Gender, led by Professor Sridevi G, University of Hyderabad, which explored the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalised communities and the need for inclusive policy interventions.
The panel discussion on Agriculture and Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in South Asia featured expert insights from Dr Chandra Sekhar Bahinipati, Associate Professor and Head, HSS, IIT Tirupati and Professor Madhuri Saripalle, Professor, Economics and Chairperson, MBA Programme, IFMR GSB. The session examined innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture, drawing on case studies from across South Asia.
Adding to the discourse, Sharon Buteau, Executive Director, LEAD at Krea University delivered a special lecture on Sustainable Livelihoods and Gender, highlighting the role of community-driven initiatives in strengthening climate resilience.
The conference concluded with a valedictory session by Professor Barbara Harriss-White, Senior Research Fellow, School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies; Professor Emeritus of Development Studies; Emeritus Fellow of Wolfson College, on Agriculture and Climate Change. Her address underscored the need for interdisciplinary research and collaborative policymaking to tackle climate-induced agricultural vulnerabilities.
By fostering critical discussions on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, the conference reinforced IFMR GSB’s commitment to research-driven solutions and policy innovation in sustainable development.
Photo Courtesy – Media Lab