Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged scientists and agricultural stakeholders to collectively forge a path toward climate-resilient agroecosystems, emphasizing the critical need for bold, science-driven, and farmer-centric approaches. Speaking at a national summit on “Sustainable & Climate Resilient Agroecosystems: Innovations and Policy Framework” held at SKUAST Jammu, Sinha underscored that the agricultural sector, the bedrock of civilization and economies, faces an existential threat from the escalating impacts of climate change. This threat, he warned, extends far beyond the immediate concerns of farmers, imperiling all sectors intrinsically linked to agriculture and its allied industries. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the imperative to move beyond incremental adjustments and embrace transformative strategies to safeguard food security and rural livelihoods.
Sinha articulated a vision where policy frameworks actively champion climate-resilient crops, advocating for a significant reduction in the disconnect between laboratory research and practical application on the ground. He implored researchers to elevate the development of climate-adapted crop varieties to their paramount priority. The urgency of the situation, he noted, stems from the intensifying frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which are increasingly disrupting agricultural productivity. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the government has already undertaken significant initiatives to bolster the agricultural sector, including the distribution of 25 crore Soil Health Cards, an increase in farmer credit limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and a substantial investment of Rs 100 crore dedicated to high-productivity seeds. Furthermore, there have been notable increases in Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for pulses and oilseeds, reflecting a commitment to supporting farmers.
The Lieutenant Governor’s address highlighted the profound historical role of agriculture in sustaining humanity through centuries of challenges, drawing a stark parallel to the current crisis posed by climate change. He stated, “Every policy, every intervention must respect that our fields and farmers have carried humanity through centuries of turmoil. Now the threat of climate change reaches far beyond the farmer’s field and it imperils every life sustained by agriculture and allied sector. The urgency of this crisis leaves no room for delay.” This sentiment underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate and decisive action. Sources indicate to TahirRihat.com that Sinha called upon the scientific community and innovators to commit to seven key areas for fostering climate-resilient, farmer-led research partnerships. These commitments include the expansion of climate-responsive insurance schemes, the promotion of green credit initiatives, the development of localized climate advisories tailored for all farming communities, the safeguarding of traditional seed varieties as crucial anchors of resilience, the seamless integration of climate considerations into policy-making, and the establishment of transparent evaluation mechanisms for all agricultural interventions.
Further elaborating on the path forward, Sinha emphasized the critical importance of precision and regenerative farming practices, alongside robust water management strategies, crop diversification, and the integration of advanced technologies into agricultural operations. He stressed that innovations must be grounded in the realities faced by farmers and should not remain confined to theoretical discussions or seminar rhetoric. Governments, he asserted, must proactively scale up protective measures to shield agricultural livelihoods from the escalating risks associated with climate change. Banks, in particular, were urged to prioritize sustainable agricultural financing, recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in resilient farming systems. The Lieutenant Governor also called for the conservation of heritage crop varieties, viewing them as vital components of agricultural resilience, and for the alignment of all initiatives to ensure coordinated and effective execution. He advocated for an open assessment of each program, with a commitment to swift adaptation and continuous refinement of strategies based on real-world outcomes.
The core of Sinha’s message revolved around the fundamental right of every farmer to receive timely and accurate climate guidance, ensuring that their fields, which are national assets, are safeguarded with the utmost care. He concluded by stating, “Every farmer deserves real-time climate guidance. Every field must be treated as a national asset, safeguarded with care. Our responsibility in agriculture is clear that we need to preserve it for generations. This is our solemn resolve.” This commitment reflects a deep understanding of the foundational role of agriculture in national development and the profound responsibility to ensure its sustainability for future generations. The summit served as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration, aiming to translate scientific knowledge and policy directives into tangible improvements on the ground, thereby building a more resilient agricultural future for Jammu & Kashmir and the nation at large.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.