The IIT Kanpur–PAS Regional Rural-India Summit on Regenerative Agriculture, Water, and Energy for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, held in Lucknow on 3–4 November 2026, concluded on a highly successful note, bringing together an eminent gathering of international scientists, policymakers, agricultural experts, development practitioners and community leaders to deliberate on the future of rural India.
Organised by IIT Kanpur through the Kotak School of Sustainability, in partnership with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, Vatican City, the Summit provided an important platform for connecting scientific research, policy perspectives and grassroots experience.
With a particular focus on the Indo-Gangetic Plains, the discussions addressed some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including declining soil health, groundwater stress, climate variability, sustainable agricultural practices, clean energy transitions and rural livelihoods. The deliberations emphasised the need to move beyond isolated interventions towards integrated, science-based and locally relevant solutions.
The Summit brought together distinguished voices from academia, government, international institutions, industry and civil society. Through plenary discussions and thematic sessions, participants explored pathways for regenerative agriculture, water security, climate resilience, public health, traditional knowledge, community-led adaptation, technological innovation and youth engagement.
A central message emerging from the discussions was that the future of rural development must be shaped by the convergence of science, policy and community action. Agricultural productivity, ecological restoration, resource efficiency and farmers’ prosperity must advance together.
The Summit marked an important step in strengthening international and interdisciplinary collaboration towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future for rural India.