Sensitisation programme on El Niño-induced drought preparedness held in Gangtok

GANGTOK, :A sensitisation programme on El Niño-induced drought preparedness and climate-resilient agriculture was organised here on Wednesday under the NICRA project, bringing together scientists, farmers, students and State stakeholders to discuss strategies to tackle climate variability and extreme weather events.

The programme, organised at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, focused on water conservation, climate-resilient technologies and adaptation measures for the Himalayan agricultural system, informs a press release.

The event was organised in collaboration with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Ranipool and Bermiok, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE), various departments of the Sikkim government and the Spice Board, Gangtok.

Dr. Ashok Kumar, head of the Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, stressed the need for coordinated efforts among research institutions, government agencies and farming communities to improve preparedness against climate extremes.

Dr. Krishnappa R., principal investigator of the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, highlighted climate-resilient technologies developed and promoted under the initiative, including biochar, drought-tolerant tomato, flood-tolerant maize, stress regulators and briquette-based fuel and animal-heating systems.

He emphasised the need for wider field-level adoption of such technologies to minimise crop and livestock losses and enhance the resilience of farming communities.

Dr. Deepak Jhajharia, professor at CAEPHT, Ranipool, spoke on fog water harvesting as a potential alternative source of water in suitable mountainous areas, while Dr. Rajesh Joshi, scientist-in-charge, GBPNIHE Sikkim Regional Centre, discussed El Niño and its implications for climate and water resources, with emphasis on spring-shed management.

Prof. Laxuman Sharma of Sikkim University highlighted the impact of drought on horticultural crops and measures to manage water stress, while Dr. John Jo Varghese, scientist, Spice Board, Gangtok, stressed the need to conserve water at the farm level by "catching water where it falls".

He also encouraged farmers to consider high-value crops with good market potential and comparatively lower vulnerability to extreme weather conditions.

An interactive panel discussion involving scientists from the ICAR-NEH Sikkim Centre, farmers, students and other delegates provided a platform to share field experiences and discuss practical approaches to drought preparedness and climate-change adaptation.

The discussion included scientists working in areas such as genetics and plant breeding, horticulture, soil science, agricultural physics, agroforestry, livestock production and management and agronomy.

Chief guest Dr. G.Kadirvel, director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, called for location-specific climate-resilient agricultural policies and stronger technology demonstrations and public-private partnerships.

He stressed the importance of coordinated engagement among research institutions, state stakeholders and policymakers to strengthen agricultural resilience and benefit farming communities in the Sikkim Himalayan region.