ZT News Network
Jammu: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu organized a webinar on “Agrobiodiversity: Conservation & Sustainable Utilization” on the eve of World Environment Day 2020. Prof. R.K. Gupta, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu welcomed the dignitaries, panelists and participants.
K.K. Sharma, Advisor to Honourable Lt. Governor of UT of J&K congratulated SKUAST Jammu for organizing webinar on issue of agrobiodiversity conservation. He advocated area specific efforts for conserving agro-biodiversity keeping in view the diverse agro climatic zones of UT of J&K. He further informed that about the Government efforts to complete the irrigation project on river Ravi for increasing area under irrigation in kandi belts. He emphasized upon the role of extension agencies including KVKs for creating awareness among farming community for conserving agro biodiversity. He also advocated the importance of biodiversity boards in management of indigenous diversity in plains, mid and high hill region of UT of J&K.
Prof. S.K. Sharma, Former Vice-Chancellor, HPKV Palampur said that biodiversity is very basic to human life as it provides a large number of ecosystem services for the well being of human kind. He narrated that biodiversity is the heritage of mankind and it should be sustainably used for the benefit of society and future generations. He laid emphasis on conservation of biodiversity in people’s participatory mode. He talked about various biodiversity conventions and highlighted the importance of in situ conservation and sustainable utilization. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anand Sharma, Deputy Director General, Indian Meteorological Department and Head, Northern India gave overview of impact of climate change on biodiversity. He informed that several useful plant species are at the verge of extinction due to adverse effects of environmental pollution different sources including agriculture and adequate efforts should be
made for their conservation.
While addressing the participants, Prof. R.K. Gupta, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu gave detailed description of biodiversity of field / horticultural crop, animals and microbes spread across different agroclimatic regions in North-West Himalyan region. He also made reference of indigenous biodiversity at gene, genotype and ecological level in UT of J&K with focus on Basamati rice and other land races, coarse grains, local legumes, minor fruits, saffron, kalazeera and medicinal herbs. He stressed need of in situ and exsitu conservation of agrobiodiversity involving traditional custodians / farmers using traditional
and modern practices for genuine needs but not greed. At the end he said let all of us pledge to plant one tree or pot plant and nurture same. He expressed the need of hour is to involve all stakeholders in biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization with institutional and policy
support.
Dr. Surinder Gupta, Director Education, Dr. S.K. Gupta, Director Extension, Dr. D.P. Abrol, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. M.S. Bhadwal, Dean, Faculty of FVSc. & AH, Dr. S.E.H. Rizvi, Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, HoDs of faculties and Scientist I/c KVKs & Regional Research Stations/Substations were involved in the successful conduct of webinar. The webinar
was attended by more than hundred participants including scientists, academicians, technocrats and students across the country. Prof. Sanjay Guleria, presented the vote of thanks, whereas Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma moderated the proceedings of the Webinar.
