The 4th Biotic Science Congress, 2024 and an international conference (BioSCon) on “Climate Smart Farming: Adoption, Impacts, and Implications for Sustainable Development” began at the College of Agriculture, CAU (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai in Ri- Bhoi district today.
The two-day event brought together deans, directors, scientists, academicians, farmers and students from across India, marking a significant milestone in climate-smart agriculture and sustainability.
BioSCon chief organising secretary, Prof. Pranab Dutta said the conference will be helpful for the researchers, academicians, policy makers and stakeholders. He informed that 275 delegates registered for the conference among which 50 per cent are scientists, 43 per cent are students from more than 30 institutes are attending the conference.
Chief Guest, Prof. Gautam Saha, Vice Chancellor of BCKV, inaugurated the event. He emphasised on the climate variation in the northeast region. He highlighted the adoption of resilient crop varieties, efficient nutrient management, water-saving techniques, and advanced agro-technologies to enhance productivity while reducing the carbon footprint.
Balakyntiew Ranee, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in fostering rural development and ensuring food security in the region. She also outlined about the Sustainable Development Goal and urged the students and farmers to join their hands for the implementation of smart farming.
Convenor of the conference and dean Prof. D. Thakuria outlined the importance of advanced research and innovation in addressing the challenges of sustainable agriculture amid climate change. He emphasised the need for interdisciplinary research, capacity building, and collaboration to equip farmers and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to adapt to climate variability. He also spoke about the ecological footprints and sustainable development goals.
Dr. B. Chakrabarty, executive director of Bangladesh Agriculture University, spoke about the significance of climate smart farming in advancing sustainable development. He highlighted adaptive farming practices, including climate-resilient crop varieties, precision agriculture, and efficient water and nutrient management techniques, to mitigate climate risks and enhance productivity.
Dr. M. Sehgal, Nodal Officer TSP and NEH ICAR-NCIPM, explained the role of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in achieving sustainable agriculture, particularly in tribal and Northeastern regions. He highlighted the need for region-specific pest management solutions, leveraging local knowledge, and promoting eco-friendly practices to minimize crop losses and maintain ecological balance.
Dr. P. K. Chakrabarty, Former ADG (PP & BS) and ASRB Member, emphasised on the ICT based tools, IoT and machine learning to be incorporated for the better crop farming. He recommended the integrated management farming system.
During the inaugural session, appreciation awards were presented to scientists and researchers in recognition of their significant contributions to agricultural research.
