'Organic farming can withstand climate change'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 09 2022:
As part of the Himalayan Day observance held annually by the Dehradun-based Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO) on September 9; Green Foundation and Organic Producer Companies jointly observed the day under the theme of Himalaya: Climate Governor' at the farmer convention centre of the Foundation, Kwakeithel Awang Thiyam Leikai, here, on Friday.
The observance was attended by Central Agricultural University (CAU) ex-dean Prof N Iboton as chief guest and Kha Nongchup Pukkei Langei Organic Producer Company chairman Phuyam Chourajit as president, while CAU Department of Agronomy HOD Prof L Nabachandra and ex-chief conservator of forests Th Mahendra Pratap were present as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Green Foundation chief executive officer U Himmat informed that this year's theme signifies the importance of the Himalayan mountains in preventing climate change.
However, most of the glaciers and ecosystems in the Himalayan have deteriorated over the recent period.
Thus, the observance has been organised with the aim to facilitate discussion about Koubru, Lai Maton, Thangjing and other hill ranges in context of Manipur.
The observance has also been held to discuss the type of organic farming farmers could indulge to discern its effectiveness amidst the changing climate for farmers are the ones to suffer the most in this regard.
Many organic farming fields remain unaffected during the recent drought and even the surface had cracked, but it was minuscule with the soil temperature staying at 18-19 degree Celsius and the soil acidity low.
However, the fields which used chemical fertilisers had soil temperatures ranging over 30 degree Celsius.
Thus, organic farming seems to be more suitable with regarding to the changes in the climate, he asserted.
Himmat then informed that Green Foundation has begun compiling a database of organic farmers, in addition to researching on how to process the organic produces into suitable products.
During the observance, Prof L Nabachanra spoke on the topic of 'Climate Change Adaptation', while Th Mahendra Pratap spoke on Himalayan Ecosystem and agro-forest Climate of Manipur'.
On the other hand, Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD) in association with Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India celebrated "Himalayan Day" under the leadership of IBSD director Prof Pulok K Mukherjee.
A seminar was also organised on the occasion under on the theme "Himalayan Women & Youth Empowerment" with the involvement of women scientists, healers and young entrepreneurs from North Eastern Region of India.
During the programme, Prof Mukherjee highlighted various initiatives of IBSD for exploring local bioresources for linking Eastern and Western Himalaya through Himalayan Bioresource Mission.
Dr Anil Prakash Joshi of HES-CO, who attended via online, stressed the need for focusing on holistic approach towards preservation and protection of the Himalayas; while Prof GA Shantibala Devi of MU highlighted the importance of unique bioresources of Manipur.
Dr Junie P Lyngdoh from BRDC, Meghalaya spoke about various initiatives to promote women entrepreneurship through floriculture; and Dr Lalchhandami Tochhawng of Mizoram Science, Technology & Innovation Council on various initiatives to enhance the livelihood options for rural women in Mizoram.
During the programme, two healers of Manipur, Loirentombi Leimapokpam and Meraton Soibam shared their ideas about utilization of local bioresources for the treatment of many diseases.
Dweller Teas founder Elizabeth Yambem highlighted the various opportunities with local bioresources and entrepreneurship development.
This programme was attended by many scientists, research scholars and staff of IBSD, Imphal.
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