Climate change research takes center stage at SOA’s international conference

Bhubaneswar, July 18: Small efforts to counter climate change can lead to significant transformations, as highlighted during a three-day international conference on sustainable agricultural development amid climate change.

The conference, held in a hybrid mode at the Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University (SOA), emphasized the transformative impact seen in Hiware Bazar, a panchayat in Maharashtra’s drought-prone Ahmednagar district. Here, effective water and soil conservation efforts led to reverse migration and significant economic improvements for farmers, said Popatrao Baguji Pawar, Sarpanch of the panchayat.

Experts worldwide participated in the conference titled ‘Sustainable Agricultural Development with Climate Smart Systems.’ Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, emphasized the importance of agriculture in providing engagement and reversing migration. He also stressed the need to explore alternative agriculture due to water scarcity.

The conference was organized by SOA’s Centre for Climate Smart Agriculture (CCSA) and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with the Indian Meteorological Society's local chapter. Singh Deo highlighted the necessity of balancing technological advancements in agriculture with a return to organic fertilizers to maintain soil health. He also mentioned the environmental pollution from fossil fuel-based energy generation and the government's plans to supply 300 units of free electricity to farmers under the Surya Ghar scheme.

Prof. Chittaranjan Ray, Director of the Nebraska Water Centre, USA, described agriculture as a double-edged sword, providing food while contributing to global warming. He stressed the need for resilient agricultural systems. Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Vice-Chancellor of OUAT, noted the observable impacts of climate change, with the five warmest years since 1901 occurring in the last 15 years, highlighting the economic disruptions caused by climate phenomena.

SOA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, stated that climate change research is a key focus area for the university, with the CCSA being one of its 20 research centers. He announced a recent MoU with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) to study lightning and thunderstorm phenomena.

Prof. Rabindra Kumar Panda, Director of CCSA, noted the significant impacts of climate variability on humanity, with extreme weather events becoming more frequent. He emphasized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining conventional cropping systems. Prof. Santosh Kumar Rout, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, proposed the vote of thanks.