The 4th Indian Ecological Society International Conference (IESIC 2024) on “Transforming
Agrifood Systems in the Face of Climate Change and Energy Transitions” was organized by the
Indian Ecological Society in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India,
during 12-15 November 2024. The conference brought together scientists, academicians,
policymakers, industry representatives, and development practitioners to deliberate on contemporary
challenges and emerging opportunities for sustainable agrifood systems. Scientific discussions
focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, energy transitions, regenerative and zero-input
agriculture, climate-resilient forestry, biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services,
crop–environment interactions, integrated pest management, sustainable land-use systems, and policy
interventions for agricultural sustainability. Through keynote lectures, technical sessions, and
stakeholder interactions, the conference facilitated the exchange of cutting-edge research, innovative
technologies, and evidence-based strategies aimed at strengthening the resilience, productivity, and
sustainability of agrifood systems in a changing global environment.

The topics of the conference were:

• Climate-smart and sustainable agrifood systems
• Climate change adaptation, mitigation, and energy transitions
• Sustainable management of land and water resources
• Energy- and water-efficient technologies for agricultural production
• Emerging biotic and abiotic threats to agricultural sustainability
• Regenerative and zero-input agricultural approaches
• Plant–plant and plant–animal interactions and signaling mechanisms
• Digital agriculture and precision technologies
• Agrifood system transformations aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development
• Goals Integrated pest management and sustainable crop protection
• Biodiversity and provision of ecosystem services across agricultural landscapes
• Climate-resilient forest management and sustainable forestry;
• Agricultural policies and governance for sustainable development; and
• Multi-stakeholder collaboration through farmer–industry–scientist interfaces

The conference provided an international forum for discussing innovative strategies to
enhance the sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems. The conference featured keynote
lectures, invited talks, oral presentations, and poster sessions addressing climate-smart agriculture,
energy transitions, biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and climate-resilient
development. The scientific contributions were compiled in a volume of extended summaries, while
47 peer-reviewed research articles were published in a special issue of the Indian Ecological Society,
showcasing significant advances in ecological and agricultural sciences.

The conference was attended by 400 delegates representing seven countries, namely France,
Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, the United States of America, and India, including distinguished keynote and
invited speakers. The inaugural session was graced by Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor
of Punjab, and Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab, as the Chief Guests.
Their presence underscored the importance of advancing sustainable and climate-resilient agrifood
systems through collaborative research, innovation, and policy support. The inaugural session was
further distinguished by the presence of the Guests of Honour: Dr S. S. Gosal, Vice Chancellor,
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana; Dr Jatinder Paul Singh, Vice Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev
Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana; and Dr Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, Sher-
e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir. Their participation
underscored the commitment of leading academic institutions to advancing research, innovation, and
sustainable development in agriculture and allied sectors.

The prominent Keynote speakers were Dr John Perkins, Member of the Faculty Emeritus, The
Evergreen State College, Washington, USA; Dr Yves Vigouroux, Institut de Recerche pour le
Development (IRD), Montpellier France; Dr Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Dr
YSPUHF, Solan; Dr Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture
Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, India; Kathleen Saul, Professor Graduate Program on the
Environment, The Evergreen State College, USA; Dr Shannon Olsson, Global Director, the Echo
Network; Dr Alice Catherine Hughes, University of Hong Kong; Dr Pramod Kumar Jha, Professor
Emeritus Tribhuvan University, Nepal; Dr Mahalingam Govindaraj, Senior Scientist for Crop
Development at Harvest Plus and the Alliance of Bioversity, International and CIAT; Dr Swoyambhu
Man Amatya, Coordinator, Agroforestry Research Group of International Union of Forestry Research,
Organizations (IUFRO) Vienna and Adjunct Professor at the Agriculture and Forestry University
(AFU); Dr Olivier Dangles, French Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD, Deputy
Chief Science, Officer In-charge of Sustainability Science, France; Prof TVK Singh, Dean of
Agriculture, PJTSAU . Retd. & Ex. ICAR - Emeritus Scientist, Hyderabad; Dr. Patrick Baur,
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Program Dept. of Fisheries, Animal, and Veterinary
Sciences University of Rhode Island, USA; Dr Dr BM Prasanna, Maize Program Director (GMP),
International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center; Dr PS Birthal, Director, ICAR-National Institute
of Agricultural Economics & Policy Research, New Delhi; Bijay Singh, Former National Professor,
PAU, Ludhiana