ICAR Training on Climate Change Concluded.
The valedictory function of NICRA sponsored 10 day National Training on “Agro-Ecological Approaches for Sustainable Mountain Farming under Changing Climatic Scenario” was held on March 25, 2015 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok. This programme was organized with the aim to build the capacity of the young learners from different institutions on climate change and its impact on agricultural productivity keeping eye upon the significant role in natural resources in agricultural production, their sustainable use without over-exploitation as one of the viable production factors to maintain the nature’s harmony.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) and Course Coordinator of the training programme informed that twenty three Assistant Professors/Scientists/Extension workers/Researchers from the different ICAR institutes, SAUs, CAUs, Spices Board and KVKs participated in the training programme. Twenty five resource persons from different parts of the country delivered thirty two lectures covering various aspects related to climate change, adaptation and mitigation strategies for managing emerging environmental problems for enhancing sustainability of mountain agriculture. The course also included various resource conservation techniques, technologies for efficient water/nutrient utilization for enhancing production of crop and soil health. The breeding strategies for livestock, pig, poultry and fisheries and their health management were also discussed by different resource persons during the training. The participants expressing their views on the course found it very informative. Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR, Sikkim Centre and Course Director of this training programme in his valedictory remarks highlighted the significance of this training programme in the crucial time of climate change. He highlighted that in mountain ecosystems, climate change will affect water availability and thereby, crop production. He stressed on the fact that changes in climate will interact with adaptations to increase agricultural production affecting crop yields and productivity and direct effects will be through changes in temperature, precipitation, length of growing season, and timing of extreme or critical threshold events relative to crop development.
Dr. D. S. Rana (Principal Scientist, IARI, New Delhi) was the Chief Guest and Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director; ICAR Sikkim Centre presided over the function. Dr. D. S. Rana signified the importance of climate change and their impact on agriculture. He emphasized that integrated farming system models for small and marginal farmer is the need of the hour for developing the climate management strategies especially for hilly ecosystems. He highlighted the variability of the climate under current and future climate scenarios, their negative consequences for agricultural production particularly under mountain conditions. He congratulated all the participants for successful completion of 10 day training program and urged them to diffuse the information obtained from the resource persons among the farming community.
Dr. D. S. Rana presented certificates and training manual to the participants and complimented ICAR Sikkim Centre for organizing such training course for the benefit of researchers, teachers and extension officers. All the Scientists and Staff of ICAR Sikkim Centre were present in the program. The program was convened by the Sri S. M. Kandwal. At the end of the program Dr. Subhash Babu, Scientist (Agronomy) and Course Coordinator proposed vote of thanks.
