‘On the job to tackle climate change’ : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

‘On the job to tackle climate change’

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), is known for his work in molecular genetics and genomics.

‘On the job to tackle climate change’

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra



Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), is known for his work in molecular genetics and genomics. He spoke to Vibha Sharma of The Tribune on issues related to agriculture — ranging from the merits of Zero Budget Natural Farming proposed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Budget speech to climate change and the distress in the farm sector.

Excerpts from the interview:

What are ICAR institutions doing to deal with climate change?

We are running a mega programme to analyse the threat of climate change, how it is happening, variables in different locations, its various factors. We are testing technologies and interventions at different places on how to minimise its impact. We have developed climate-resilient villages after vulnerability mapping and appropriate interventions based on agro-ecology — water availability, soil type, farmers’ socio-economic conditions, available markets, feasibility of allied sectors such as animal husbandry and fisheries. We are planning climate-resilient clusters around these villages now. The aim is to demonstrate how farmers can mitigate the impact using technology in different conditions — drought-tolerant varieties in drought-prone areas, flood-tolerant in flood-prone, salt-tolerant in salt-prone and also temperature-resistant. There are fodder banks, seed banks. We have in place strict contingency plans for all districts, prescribing measures in case of variations due to climate change. At the Pusa institute, we are monitoring the behaviour of plants in simulated climate conditions using ultra-modern, world-class facilities and techniques.

Is the Budget allocation sufficient for higher levels of R&D?

We have done all this within the allocated Budget. But if you ask whether we need greater allocation, then yes, we will always need more to prepare ourselves better for the future because there will always be scope for new research.

Maximum agri-research is done by the developed world, even though more than 60 per cent of India’s population and economy are dependent on the agricultural sector.

Agriculture in India is largely dependent on research being carried out within the country, mostly indigenous. We are continuing to innovate, giving new technologies. In the past five years, we have developed more than 1,000 high-yield varieties, of which almost 50 per cent are climate-resistant. We have also developed 35 bio-fortified varieties. There are varieties that use less water, less fertilisers and have lesser environmental stress but higher productivity. Similarly, a lot of work has been done in horticulture, animal husbandry with vaccines and diagnostics for animal health. Great work has been done and is being done.

So, why is growth (in agriculture and allied sectors) slow and farmers continue to be distressed?

If you see global trends, 2.9 per cent growth rate is not less. With 2.9 per cent growth, we have achieved production that we are finding difficult to manage. If we increase it further, we must also know how to manage it. Our aim is to manage post-production in a better way. 

Distress is there because of production, when you don't know what to do with what you are producing. If there is more of potato, tomato, wheat and rice and there is no market, obviously there will be distress. If MSP is not available, again there will be distress. If there is no procurement, there will be distress. There is no distress in Punjab, where rice and wheat are procured. These are state-specific issues, distress is more because of post-production issues.

What is your take on the Finance Minister’s proposal of Zero Budget Natural Farming?

The ICAR is analysing all factors related to Zero Budget Natural Farming. We have initiated multi-location testing, applying it in the field to develop ideas and appropriate knowledge, assessing how it will work on different crops and in different situations. We have constituted a committee to see how it is working in places where farmers are applying it. The committee will submit its report in six months, the first meeting has already been held.

Farmers are defying the ban on GM crops. Is it not time the government cleared its stance on the issue once and for all?

GM crops have been advantageous to farmers elsewhere. In our case, in the initial years of Bt cotton, we saved on pesticides. Globally, the area under GM crops is increasing. In India, two crops are under consideration of the GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) — mustard and brinjal.

Every aspect needs to be properly analysed and evaluated: how safe GM crop farming is for the environment and humans; how farmer-friendly it is, the perspective of consumers and scientists. The government is deliberating on the issue, we have a proper mechanism for it, once a decision is taken it will be shared. We have seen reports from Haryana and Maharashtra about unapproved GM seeds being cultivated. It is illegal. The seeds should be cultivated only when these are approved and released.

Aren’t GM crops already part of our food system because of Bt cotton?

We are consuming Bt cotton seed oil, we are also getting soyabean oil and canola oil from abroad. Primarily transgenic, these have been part of our diet system. As a scientist, I would propose that safety is adequately addressed and there should be enough information and clarity to address perceptional issues.

Farmers are still not convinced about diversification. Is the better MSP of wheat and rice one of the reasons?

Punjab and Haryana don't have enough water to continue growing rice and must diversify. The government has announced a good MSP for maize, for which there is demand as we are importing it. Haryana has already declared that it will opt for maize instead of rice in the kharif season. Diversification is also important to ensure that we don't produce so much that it leads to post-production issues. Punjab and Haryana have an irrigation system, so both have not been very negatively impacted due to climate change. But underground water used for irrigation is limited and you cannot continue doing that for long.

We have to diversify. There are crops for which there is a good market, such as maize. The government does not procure basmati, but robust trade drives its cultivation. The government has to come forward, the private sector has to come forward, there should be linkages. Food parks are coming up, processing units and plants are being planned, programmes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana… all this will spur growth. And once that happens, farmers will diversify.

Top News

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

MEA spokesperson says India is proud of its independent and ...

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi, backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine public trust in judiciary

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi

Backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine publi...

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

Explainer: Why BJP is flying solo in Punjab and Odisha

A multi-cornered contest is always advantageous for BJP; it ...


Cities

View All