JNU's School of Environmental Sciences organises a day dedicated to space tech

Vijnana Bharati's JNU chapter commenced with a Dr Vikram Sarabhai Memorial lecture, celebrating the National Remote Sensing Day in the university's School of Environmental Sciences (SES).

Dr Shibendu S. Ray, Director, Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre, A. Jayakumar, Secretary General, Vijnana Bharti, JNU rector Professor S.C. Garkoti and Dean Professor S. Mukherjee were key speakers at the occasion.

The programme was attended by academicians and researchers from different disciplines across the university and other nearby institutions/universities.

In his introductory remarks, Garkoti said that the impact of chemicals fertilizers on productivity of crop could be estimated by our modellers, who can play a significant role by telling us about future crop production in any particular area (like Gangetic plain) through remote sensing. Scientists across the globe are fascinated with Indian skill which helps in choosing the right crop so that fertility of soil remains optimal.

Jayakumar explained the importance of environmental science as a discipline being an admixture of four dimensions of science that is physical, chemical, biological and mathematical.

While, laying stress on the need to inculcate the qualities and high patriotic values of Dr Sarabhai to establish India as a developed nation on globe, he stressed on the importance of indigenous technology, ancient scientific heritages of Vedas for betterment of Indian people and society.

He urged scientists and youths to find the solution of the problems at local and socially accepted.

Ray delivered a talk on 'space technology for agriculture.' He touched upon various dimensions that space technology is currently being utilized in agriculture sectors improving the lives of farmers in India.

He coherently described how the space technology are being used in various government policies like increasing the total seed sown area for increasing crop productivity like shifting towards horticultures crops, easier grievance redress of farmers in settling claim dispute under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.

He mentioned various success stories of Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Orissa etc, where technology has substantially improved the lives of farmer community. Conglomeration of various mandis via e-Nam app has improved the income of ordinary farmers.