Workshop on "Transforming FLW systems to combat the current climate crisis in Manipur" held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01 2025:
A 1-day workshop on "Transforming Food, Land, and Water (FLW) Systems to Combat the Current Climate Crisis in Manipur" was held at the Conference Hall of Loktak Farmers' Training Hostel, Lamphelpat today.
The workshop was organised by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project.
The workshop was graced by dignitaries, including Peter Salam, Director, Department of Agriculture, Manipur; Prof N Rajmuhon Singh, former Vice Chancellor, Dhanamanjuri University; Dr Ch Basudha Devi, HORC, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Manipur Centre; K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Manipur; Dr I Meghachandra Singh, former Joint Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, and Dr T Brajakumar Singh, Director, directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Manipur.
As per a release issued by PIB Imphal, the event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions for climate-resilient agriculture in Manipur.
The primary objective of the workshop was to develop a strategic roadmap for enhancing climate resilience in Manipur's agricultural sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Ayam Gangarani, Sr Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH region, Manipur Centre, expressed concern over the threat to indigenous farming practices and the impact of climate change on livestock.
She elaborated on the NICRA (National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture) initiative, highlighting its efforts to promote climate-resilient agriculture.
Peter Salam highlighted the significance of advanced geomapping in identifying suitable varieties and crops for specific regions.
He emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination and requested support from other departments to achieve this goal.
He also assured that the Agriculture Department is prepared to develop a comprehensive agricultural plan for the next season and appealed for collaborative efforts among all related departments to work together towards a common objective.
Dr I Meghachandra Singh highlighted the vulnerability of hilly areas like Manipur to global warming, contrasting the present scenario with ancient times when the climate was more stable.
He lamented the destruction of natural cooling effects and pointed to recent floods in Manipur as evidence of climate change's devastating impact.
Using the example of the resilient 'Taothabi' rice variety, which adapts to rising water levels, Dr Meghachandra raised concerns about its ability to cope with rapid and unpredictable flooding.
K Debadutta Sharma emphasized the need for a concrete action plan to combat climate change challenges, stressing that discussions alone are not enough.
Highlighting the significant impact of climate change on fanners' livelihoods, K Debadutta expressed concern over the recurring floods and droughts affecting the farming community.
He also stressed the importance of establishing a gene bank for indigenous crop varieties that are resistant to climate change, to preserve and utilize their valuable genetic traits.
In the 1st technical session, Dr I Meghachandra Singh delivered a lecture on the topic "Climate- Smart Food-Nutrition System Transformation" while Prof Ksh.
Lal Bihari Singha, Department of Life Sciences (Botany), Manipur University elaborated on "Carbon Farming and Climate Financing for Smallholders" and Dr Sarda Maibam, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Science, Manipur University spoek on "Watershed-Based Resilience and Integrated Natural Resource Management" .
In the 2nd technical session, Dr T Brajakumar Singh elaborated on the topic "Food-Land-Water Nexus and Integrated Planning Tools" and Prof L Nabachandra Singh, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal spoke on "Frontier Technologies for Climate Resilient FLW Systems".
A panel discussion was also held, chaired by Prof N Rajmuhon Singh and cochaired by Prof L Nabachandra Singh.
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