RS Pura, Oct 14: There is a strong need of carrying out research in crop-breeding techniques in the hilly regions like Jammu and Kashmir where farmers have been suffering immensely due to climate change related challenges. And the onus of this research lies on Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) working in such regions.
This was stated by Dr. Partap Singh Birthal, Director National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, here at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Jammu), where he spoke on the topic—“Making Agriculture Climate Resilient”.
He also advised the agrarian community in Jammu and Kashmir to use the latest agricultural technology and to ensure their crop to reduce their exposure to the downside risks.
Dr. Birthal said that the climate change related challenges are different for both the farmers of plains as well as for those settled in hilly regions.
“So, different research approaches are required to fill the gaps in both the regions,” he said.
He said over the past few years, the unseasonal hailstorms and rainfalls have been causing massive damage to agriculture and this has been directly impacting farmers as well as other stakeholders associated with the agriculture.
Dr. Birthal said the increased climatic shocks have slowed down the agricultural productivity growth by 25% in India and this has the poor people and the agriculturally-dominated states highly affected.
“Different climate shocks impact growth differently. While droughts cause more damage, heat waves, floods and cold waves also affect the agricultural sector considerably,” he said.
“Farmers these days have been facing multiple climatic risks and many times more than one risk simultaneously. One strategy cannot provide a solution to all the risks,” the senior scientist added.
Further laying focus on the research, Dr. Birthal said that limited evidence is available on the impact of climate change and adaptation measures beyond the crops of rice, wheat and maize.
“Research has to be carried out on other important crops including horticultural crops, animal husbandry and fisheries among other sectors,” he suggested.
He also laid focus on carrying out research on cross-border effects of climate change on agriculture and food security.
