CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Odisha Environment Congress-2013 [www.orissadiary.com]

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurates Odisha Environment Congress-2013 at Bhubaneswar. Patnaik said that, “This year the congress has aptly selected the theme on Agriculture & Environment in the context of Odisha and the progressive Odisha State Agriculture Policy 2013.” Addressing the Congress CM Patnaik said that, “The Environment Congress is an important platform to deliberate on issues of sustainable development and find solutions for management of limited resources to ensure rapid growth Without jeopardizing the environment. The Government of Odisha has taken pioneering step in formulating Climate Change Action Plan as we realize that the state is most vulnerable to climate change. In addition to the climate change action plan for the state, a separate Coastal Zone Management Plan is being implemented by the State Government.” CM Patnaik further added that, “I am pleased to note that Odisha Environment Congress has “Agriculture and Environment” as the theme for the Congress this year. I understand that all the stakeholders have been brought together to ponder over the issues emerging out of the Climate change for impact on Agriculture sector. It is extremely important for our state where about majority of farmers are small and marginal. While International negotiations on climate change are yet to conclude, we can initiate advance action for mitigation of the impact of changing climatic conditions on our farmers.” He added that, “In the changed climatic situation there may be change in frequency and intensity of rain fall and this might impact seed germination, disease and insect infection. It is therefore a challenge for our 'scientific community to develop drought and pest resistant crop varieties, alternate cropping patterns, improved methods of soil and water conservation and capacity building of our farmers. It is time that, we intimate climate linked research in Agri Sector to safeguard the interest of our farming community. I would also impress upon the scientists to take note of the indigenous wisdom of our farmer in cultivation of various crops as it has withstood him over decades and he has successfully improvised with changing climatic factors.”