Agriculture scientists should evolve through research new methods for further enriching farm yield in the interest of farmers and give proper advice to the State Government. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated this while inaugurating a national conference on ‘Climate Change and Smart Farming Techniques’ at Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Agriculture University at Gwalior on Saturday. Union Minister for Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar presided over the function.
The Chief Minister said that major climatic changes are being experienced in the State during last 3-4 years. Untimely hailstorms and rains have caused damage to crops, which is a matter of concern for future. He said that scientific surveys are predicting 2 degree increase in surface temperature of the Earth in next 15 years, which will cast adverse effect on human life and crops. If this increase continues at this rate, production of wheat is estimated to be 50 per cent less, paan 17 per cent and maize yield will come down by 17 per cent by the year 2050.
Scientists need to undertake research keeping this in view. Chouhan informed that the State Government is moving ahead towards climate smart agriculture and is considering carving out agro climate zones comprising 100 villages. In all, 1100 villages in the state will be covered under it where information will be given to farmers through SMS about agriculture, rain water harvesting, laser raveling, on-farm water management, agro forestry, livestock management, seeds and fodder management.
The Chief Minister inaugurated seed technology centre constructed at a cost of Rs 24 crore and laid foundation stone of advanced technology centre at the university.