SMDSXII Session1 "Agroecology Resilience for Climate Change" скачать в хорошем качестве

SMDSXII Session1 "Agroecology Resilience for Climate Change"

Himalayan Agroecological systems are increasingly threatened by changes in land use practices, climate change, introduction of exotic crops and out-migration of youth to urban areas that have left the farms with inadequate hands to work in the agricultural fields. Over the last few decades the governments have supported the essential commodities with subsidized inputs, forward linkage infrastructure as well as the food distribution systems to disperse the food but it has neglected the endemic food systems across the Indian Himalayan region. Large tracts of indigenous crops which formed the essential building blocks of socio economic and cultural lifestyles and the basis of mountain livelihoods have drastically been impacted bringing about deep rooted changes in the demography and economy. Another notable intervention which has been largely promoted by mainstream academia and government programs is the introduction of exotic cash crops grown with intensive production systems in the high Himalayan tracts. These regions were traditionally producing different crops like millets, pseudo cereals, medicinal plants and other crops most suitable to the agro climatic conditions of the region. The other important aspect was that these traditional crops were climate resistant, having evolved over generations of farming practices and hence were able to withstand the harsh vagaries of climatic conditions. There were also generations of traditional knowledge in terms of farming practices, and seed preservation methods closely linked with nature that had been passed down these generations which provided food security to the local communities. Such traditional crops also played an important role in the bio mass recycling as well as fodder for the livestock. The new crops are as per market demand and in many places produced with agro - chemicals in rain fed or snow fed areas thereby adding to soil degradation and pest and disease. Many a time sudden loss in production due to disease and pests or slump in prices have added to the woes of the farmers and exposed them to food insecurity and debt. In addition, changes in dietary preferences influenced by media and the highly processed food markets, mono-cropping, promotion of commodity crops, soil degradation, and weakening markets threaten Himalayan agro- ecological systems. Due to the above reasons there has been a major shift in livelihood patterns leading to movement and migration of communities from their homes to other places in search of options leading to large scale displacement. This is also a challenge for international security as a number of villages are on the borders of our countries. There is urgency to address the different issues to rejuvenate the agro - ecology landscapes. The interventions to be made around present market opportunities in high value nutraceutical industry, tourism and related sectors. At the same time policy initiatives to prevent the regions to be diverted into other uses has to be ascertained. Policy to declare the region as agro - ecological reserves or landscapes need to be carried out. The session will hope to bring about and engage creative discussions and analysis of the present scenario and come out with possible models. Sessions include luminaries in the sector from academia, civil society and community. Real time activities which are already in being done will also find a place as well as policy support will discussed thread bare. Speakers: 1. Dr Ishwari Singh Bisht Himalayan Agro Ecological Initiative 2. Dr Ghansyam Sharma Sikkim 3. Dr Jigmet Yanchen Ladhakh SKUAST Moderated by: Ms.. Binita Shah, Treasurer, IMI Mr. RP Gurung, Councilor, IMI & CEO, ECOSS