Micro-Irrigation, GIS, Nano Tech reduces Agri stress

Hyderabad, Dec 13 (INN): The use of micro-irrigation, Nano Technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) can solve many of the stresses in agriculture.

This was stated by Dr. J. S. Sandhu, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, after inaugurating the two-day national conference on 'Emerging Challenges and Opportunities in Biotic and Abiotic Stress Management (ECOBASM-2014)' organized by the Society for Scientific Development in Agriculture and Technology at the Directorate of Rice Research in Rajendranagar here on Saturday.

Dr Sandhu pointed out two important events that affected the agriculture growth in India. The Great Bengal Famine, which happened due to brown spot disease in rice, and Cotton Boll Worm Insect, which devastated the crop resulting in many farmers losing their livelihood. In 2013, there was 29 per cent less rainfall which resulted in national loss of 16 million tons of food grain. He said that the major challenges for agricultural scientists include water scarcity, soil degradation and loss of Bio-Diversity.

He suggested that the agriculture should be made 'climate smart' to withstand the complexities being created due to climate change. Therefore, the scientists have to develop short duration varieties without sacrificing yield and it should take care of both biotic and abiotic stress.

Dr. V. Ravindra Babu, Director, Directorate of Rice Research, in his Presidential Address, said that the directorate, with its 45 centres, is focusing its research to overcome both biotic & abiotic stress with respect to only rice crop. So, the research plan is re-oriented to producing high yielding variety with quality of the produce remaining intact.

Dr. A. Padma Raju, Vice Chancellor, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad said that abiotic stress is more prevalent in rain-fed ecosystem and biotic stress is more prevalent in irrigated ecosystem. The entire U.S.A. is having around 4.5 to 5 million farmers where as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh having 13 million farmers, because of this there is a lot of pressure on the land leading to both types of stress. We are drawing ground water beyond limits leading to abiotic stress.

Dr. S. K. Patil, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya (Raipur) said in his address that the two day conference covers the entire spectrum of agriculture. He said that stress management in agriculture arises due to three important factors - Population increase, climate change and declining land holding size.

Dr. S. P. Singh, the founder of the Society, welcomed the gathering.