The National Rainfed Area Authority, under the purview of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Government of India organizes an important event aimed at bolstering climate-resilient agriculture strategies in rainfed ecosystems at the NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi, on March 6th, 2024. The National Workshop on 'Forecasting Techniques and Decision Support System for Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Rainfed Ecosystems' promises to be a significant gathering of experts and stakeholders.
Dr. Prashant Armorikar, the Director of Watershed Development, initiated the proceedings by extending a warm welcome to esteemed dignitaries and representatives from various organizations. His opening address set the tone for the workshop, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in confronting the challenges posed by climate change in rainfed agricultural regions.
Takayuki Hagiwara, the FAO Representative in India, delivered a keynote address wherein he lauded the Government of India's initiatives in promoting Digital Agriculture. He underscored the significance of integrating technological advancements to enhance agricultural practices, ultimately benefiting farmers across the nation.
Empowering Communities Through Climate-Resilient Agriculture
Franklin L. Khobung, serving as JS(RFS) in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, reiterated the imperative of community empowerment in fostering climate-resilient agriculture. In his address, he emphasized the role of local communities in adopting sustainable practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.
Making Digital Agriculture Accessible to Marginal Farmers
Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, the Additional Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and CEO of NRAA, shed light on efforts aimed at democratizing Digital Agriculture. In his inaugural speech, he underscored the commitment to making digital solutions a public good, accessible to all stakeholders, particularly marginal farmers. By leveraging technology, the aim is to bridge the gap and ensure inclusivity in the agricultural ecosystem.
An open house discussion was also conducted during the workshop on the outcomes of the NRAA - FAO Project titled "Assessing Effectiveness and Developing Strategies for Up-scaling Technology.
Anuj Kumbat, CEO, WRMS, in his presentation on the topic ‘Digital Forecasting Techniques for Informed Decision-Making in Rainfed Agriculture’ highlighted the importance of delivering high-quality services on the ground and implementing risk management through technology interventions.
