( Jhunnu Baba )
Samastipur ! Pusa,Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, under the visionary leadership of Dr. P.S. Pandey, Vice-Chancellor, is spearheading a climate-resilient agriculture project to address the challenges posed by climate change. With support from the Bihar government, the university is conducting research at 14 agricultural science centers across 11 districts of the state to introduce farmers to the latest techniques and advanced seeds to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
The project, operating primarily in districts like Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, East Champaran, West Champaran, Saran, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Begusarai, Sitamarhi, and others, aims to enhance crop productivity while reducing costs and losses incurred by farmers. Climate change, characterized by gradual shifts in traditional weather patterns, is being experienced worldwide, impacting various aspects of the environment and the well-being of global populations. Dr. Ratnesh Kumar Jha, Project Director at the High-Level Study Center on Climate Change, highlights the multifaceted effects of climate change on ecological systems, groundwater recharge, the hydrological cycle, soil moisture, livestock, and aquatic species. Changes in climate exacerbate occurrences of pests and diseases, leading to significant losses in crop production. Furthermore, alterations in climatic conditions affect soil processes and the balance of soil-water, resulting in arid and parched lands, escalating the demand for irrigation water. To address these challenges, the project emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management and rainwater harvesting techniques to meet the increasing irrigation needs of crops. Adopting innovative farming practices and modifying crop patterns and planting schedules are also essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies and practicing mixed cropping and intercropping can effectively counter the risks posed by climate change.
Furthermore, promoting organic and holistic farming methods over conventional chemical-based agriculture can minimize greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate environmental degradation. Organic farming not only enhances soil fertility but also reduces the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Additionally, diversifying crop production through integrated farming ensures food security and sustains farmer livelihoods even in the face of crop failures or pest outbreaks.
Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University remains committed to supporting farmers in adapting to climate change and building resilience in agriculture. By fostering collaborations between academia, government, and farmers, the university aims to create sustainable solutions for a climate-resilient future.