J&K L-G Manoj Sinha urges scientists to build climate-resilient agri-ecosystem

Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended a national summit on “Sustainable & Climate Resilient Agroecosystems: Innovations and Policy Framework” at SKUAST Jammu, urging scientists and stakeholders to work collectively towards climate resilience.

He stressed the need to move beyond incremental changes and adopt bold, science-driven, farmer-centric approaches. “Policies must champion climate-resilient crops. We must close the divide between laboratory and farmland and researchers should make the creation of climate-adapted varieties their highest priority,” the L-G said.

Calling agriculture the backbone of civilisation and economies, Sinha warned that climate change poses a serious threat not just to farmers but to all sectors dependent on agriculture.

Highlighting government initiatives, he said India has distributed 25 crore Soil Health Cards, increased farmer credit limits from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, and invested Rs 100 crore in high-productivity seeds. He noted significant increases in MSP procurement of pulses and oilseeds but cautioned that extreme weather events are intensifying.

“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,” Sinha said.

He called upon scientists and innovators for seven commitments for climate-resilient farmer-led research partnership, expansion of climate-responsive insurance, green credit, localised climate advisories for all, safeguard traditional seeds, policy integration and transparent evaluation. He also emphasised precision and regenerative farming, water management, diversification and tech integration.

The L-G said that innovations must reflect real-world needs, not remain trapped in seminar rhetoric and governments must scale protection to shield livelihoods from escalating risks. He also asked the banks to prioritise sustainable agricultural financing, conserve heritage varieties as anchors of resilience, align every initiative for seamless, coordinated execution and assess each programme openly, adapt swiftly and refine continuously.

“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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.