Scientists from Biodiversity International, Rome, in association with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) and State Agriculture University stressed on the need for the development of biodiversity and conservation of plant genetic resources. As part of the efforts to empower the farming community and other stakeholders in the sector, the scientists organised meetings and field visits along the Godavari river basin in Karimnagar from October 21 to 23.
On the occasion, the regional representative of Biodiversity International (South Asia) N.K. Krishna said the last century was meant for green revolution for increasing foodgrain production through hybrid seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. But now, the foodgrain production has reached the optimal level and it is time for conservation of soil, water and crop genetic, he said and added that the ecology has lost a lot in the name of attaining self-sufficiency. “Now is the time to address the concerning issues of soil, water, plant, fish, livestock, genetic resources and pollinators,” he said.
Accordingly, the ICAR, State Agriculture University and NBFGR (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources), Lucknow, have decided to work towards sustainable development to encourage good agricultural practices, conservation of resources, and valuation of ecosystem services.
Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University scientists Rahman and Vasudev, NBFGR scientist Kuldeep Lal, Biodiversity International representatives Sarah Natalia and Fransisca, scientist (Agronomy) Kalvula Shekhar, District Agriculture Officer V. Sreedhar and others were also present.
