Patnaik asks agro-scientists to defuse climate change impact

Imploring agro-scientists to develop alternate method of cropping, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the climate change impact was likely to affect the farming communities in future.
"It is therefore a challenge for our scientific community to develop drought and pest resistant crop varieties, alternate cropping patterns, improved methods of soil and water conservation and capacity building of our farmers," Patnaik said while inaugurating the Odisha Environment Congress-2013.
Stating that the time has come to initiate climate linked research in agri sector to safeguard the interest of our farming community, Patnaik said he would also impress upon the scientists to take note of the indigenous wisdom of farmer in cultivation of various crops as it has withstood over decades.

Patnaik pointed out that the world is trying to resolve this dilemma through the concept of Sustainable Development known as "RIO PLUS TWENTY" (RIO +20) reflected in the UN document "THE FUTURE WE WANT". The challenge is more serious for developing countries, he said.
"While International negotiations on climate change are yet to conclude, we can initiate advance action for mitigation of the impact of changing climatic conditions on our farmers. In the changed climatic situation there may be change in frequency and intensity of rain fall and this might impact seed germination, disease and insect infection," Patnaik said.
He said the state has taken pioneering step in formulating Climate Change Action Plan. "We realize that the state is most vulnerable to climate change. In addition to the climate change action plan for the state, a separate Coastal Zone Management Plan is being implemented by the State Government," he said.