NITI Aayog Seminar Highlights Pathways to Sustainable Rural Livelihoods.

New Delhi:

NITI Aayog convened a significant National Seminar on ‘Sustainable Rural Livelihoods’, led by Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member of NITI Aayog. The seminar addressed vital aspects such as enhancing rural livelihoods, market linkages, rural value chains, microfinance, entrepreneurship, and water security.

The event saw participation from thought leaders, policymakers, academicians, and community innovators, representing ministries, international organizations, NGOs, civil society, and startups. Discussions centered around bridging the urban-rural divide and fostering inclusive rural development through innovative strategies.

Dr. Ramesh Chand’s keynote underscored agriculture’s pivotal role in sustainable rural livelihoods. Contributions from the Ministry of Rural Development, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, and RIS further explored integrating rural and urban development, emphasizing the SMART Villages concept for creating self-reliant rural economies.

The seminar highlighted the potential of rural economies in contributing to India’s GDP, focusing on infrastructure growth and inclusive economic strategies. Discussions also stressed financial inclusion, job creation, and connecting rural producers to larger markets. The role of Gram Panchayats and women-led institutions in driving rural progress through decentralization was emphasized.

The second session tackled sustainable livelihoods amidst climate change, with insights from NAARM, ICAR, CWC, and IWMI. Experts called for comprehensive groundwater legislation and innovative agricultural and entrepreneurial models to bolster resilience and improve rural livelihoods.