IIT Kanpur’s Regional Rural-India Summit Concludes, Bringing Rural Climate Challenges into Focus
Bengaluru: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), in partnership with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS), Vatican City, successfully concluded the Regional Rural-India Summit on Regenerative Agriculture, Water and Energy for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, held on 3rd and 4th of November in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Organised through the Kotak School of Sustainability (KSS), established at IIT Kanpur with the support of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the summit brought together scientists, policymakers, administrators and practitioners from India and across the world to explore approaches to climate resilience, regenerative agriculture and sustainable rural development.
The inaugural plenary was attended by Shri Surya Pratap Shahi, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh as the Chief Guest; Shri Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Horticulture, Agricultural and Shri Jayendra Pratap Singh Rathore, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Cooperation, Government of Uttar Pradesh as the Guests of Honour. The session also featured Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Prof. Joachim von Braun, President of PAS; and Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of KSS, IIT Kanpur.
Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean, Kotak School of Sustainability, IIT Kanpur, and Conference Chair, said “Addressing climate change and its interconnected challenges requires a coordinated approach centred on System, Scale and Speed, bringing together science, technology and policy to develop and implement sustainable solutions. Our collaboration with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences has been important in bringing global scientific and policy perspectives to the regional context, strengthening the dialogue between research, institutions and communities. The summit provided a platform for diverse stakeholders to deliberate on these priorities, while the joint declaration will take forward the collective recommendations and commitments to strengthen climate resilience across the Global South.”
Prof. Joachim von Braun, President, PAS, said: “Climate resilience requires a holistic approach that brings together scientific research, technological innovation, policy and societal participation. Regenerative agriculture, sustainable water management and clean rural energy are key priorities, with research and collaboration playing an important role in translating scientific knowledge into actionable solutions. The summit marks an important step in strengthening India’s contribution to global climate resilience efforts.”
The first day brought together leading voices in climate science, agriculture and public health to discuss the challenges of building climate resilience. The programme covered monsoon variability and its implications for agricultural planning, regenerative agriculture, and the effects of climate change on public health. A key highlight was the Spotlight Session featuring Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, Prof. Ashok Gulati and Dr. Rajendra Singh. Discussions highlighted the vulnerability of small and marginal farmers, who account for nearly 80% of India’s farming community, and the potential impact of climate change on agricultural productivity, with rainfed rice and wheat yields projected to decline by 20% and 19%, respectively, by 2050. Speakers also discussed the need to restore soil health through regenerative farming practices, strengthen water conservation through rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Other sessions examined local leadership in climate adaptation and the role of district administrations in building resilience. Prof. Örjan Gustafsson, Dr. Ashish Jha and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan discussed the growing public health risks posed by climate change, particularly the impact of extreme heat, deteriorating air quality and water stress on communities.
The second day explored how community-led initiatives, combined with scientific research and policy, can strengthen climate resilience across rural India. The day began with a discussion on climate resilience and global faith initiatives, which featured His Eminence Cardinal Peter Turkson, Chancellor of PAS and PASS, and a video message from Shri Sadhguru. This was followed by conversations around clean energy transitions, traditional knowledge and community-based adaptation, alongside the impact of climate change on migration. The programme featured contributions from Dr. Ajay Mathur, former Director General of the International Solar Alliance, and Reema Nanavaty of SEWA, among others.
A session on science-policy foresight also explored priorities for climate adaptation and resilience. A youth-led consultation brought the focus to Uttar Pradesh, examining challenges related to water scarcity, heat stress, soil health and digital agricultural extension, while highlighting how grassroots solutions such as regenerative farming initiatives have reached over 8,000 farmers across 5,000 acres and data-driven irrigation solutions that have helped conserve approximately 13 million litres of groundwater across 150 farms.
The day concluded with a valedictory session that brought together Prof. Joachim von Braun, President of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and Prof. Sachchida Nand Tripathi, Dean of the Kotak School of Sustainability at IIT Kanpur, to reflect on the discussions and the way forward for strengthening climate resilience.
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