 Early Times Report
Jammu, July 7: Entomological Science Academy (ESA) in collaboration with SKUAST-Jammu organized three day National Conference on Ecological Engineering and Sustainable Livelihood at Alpine Meadows of Sanasar w.e.f. 5 to 7 July 2024. This was unique conference of its kind that discussed and deliberated on the pest problems threatening livelihood security of hill farmers in the Hill agriculture. Since the livelihood of hill farmers is being threatened by increasing pest problems leading to the dwindling of the bioresources such as anardana, wild honey, wild mushrooms and herbal commodities. Challenges, strategies and recommendations to secure their livelihood in sustainable manner was debated by a total of 62 delegates across the country viz., Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, IARI New Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, J&K, M.P. and Jharkhand including members of scientific community and research scholars. Eight technical sessions were held in which eleven lead papers were presented by eminent agricultural scientists from ICAR and SKUAST-Jammu. Besides, more than 29 oral and 32 poster presentations were delivered by the delegates during the Conference. The Conference was organized under the able guidance of Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu. In his message to the participants, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor complemented the participants and emphasized on open debate on the challenges and solutions of the conference through appropriate recommendations.
In his welcome address, Dr. R .K. Gupta, President ESA elaborated the themes of the conference under 8 heads viz., Hill farming and sustainable livelihood, Agrochemicals, IPM and IDM, Productive insects and Enterpreneureship for livelihood, Pollination crisis and Ecosystem services, Apitourism and Apitherapy, Bioinspiration from Insect for sustainable life.
, Insect Conservation and Apocalypse and Ecology and Climate Smart Agriculture before inauguration by Dr. Poonam Jasrotia, ADG, Plant Protection, ICAR through virtual mode. Speaking on above themes she critically stressed that in the era of increasing pest population, ecological Engineering holds immense promise in revolutionising insect pest management while ensuring sustainable livelihood for communities dependent on agriculture. Besides, integrating principles of ecology with engineering solution can harmonise human activities with natural ecosystems thereby enhancing ecosystem services crucial for pest regulation.
The conference culminated with successful recommendation of the each theme which will be forwarded to the policy makers for future planning. The best poster and oral presentation awards were also distributed among the participants. The valedictory function ended with the vote of thanks presented by organising secretary. |
