JAMMU: Vice Chancellor Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu today called for focusing on Climate Smart Agriculture to Increase Crop Productivity. He was speaking at the 2-day International Plant Physiology Virtual Conference on Prospects of Plant Physiology for Climate Proofing Agriculture organized by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu and Indian Society for Plant Physiology (ISPP), New Delhi. Dr. S. K. Sopory, Former Vice Chancellor, JNU, New Delhi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu and Dr. M. B. Chetti, President, ISPP and Vice Chancellor, UAS Dharwad were the Patrons of the conference. Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, in his presidential remarks, said that this is a truly unique platform for us to come together and shape the future of sustainable and profitable agricultural development in the era of climate change. Prof. Sharma elaborated on the effects of Climate change on food insecurity in the future due to increased food prices, and reduction in food production. He said food may become more expensive as climate change mitigation efforts increase energy prices and water required for food production may become more scarce due to increased crop water use and drought. He was of the opinion that the impact of climate change is very comprehensive but its far reaching effects are now clearly visible on the agricultural sector- the main source of food production and economy of the world. Prof. Sharma highlighted the importance of climate-smart agriculture and said that this is the only way to lower the negative impact of climate variations on crop adaptation, before it might affect global crop production drastically. Prof. J. P. Sharma looked forward to have exhaustive discussions during the two days conference on causes of climate change, stresses produced due to climate change, impacts on crops, modern breeding technologies, and biotechnological strategies to cope with climate change, in order to develop climate resilient crops. The Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu also appreciated the support received from Indian Society of Plant Physiology in organizing this International Plant Physiology Virtual conference-2020 at SKUAST-Jammu. The inaugural session of the conference was followed by Plenary Session-I in which Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi delivered SK Sinha Memorial Award Lecture. The Session was chaired by Prof. K. K. Sopory, ICGEB, New Delhi and Dr. J. P. Khurana, University of Delhi was Co-Chair. Keynote address was delivered by Prof. Akhilesh K Tyagi, Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Delhi. Earlier, Dr. S. E. H. Rizvi, Dean, F.B.Sc. SKUAST-Jammu welcomed all the guests and participants. Dr. V. Chinnusamy, honorary Secretary, ISPP spoke about the Society and its Awards. The convener of the conference is Dr. Gurdev Chand, I/c Head, Division of Plant Physiology, SKUAST-Jammu. At the end of the Inaugural session, vote of thanks was given by Dr. Madan Pal, Treasurer, ISPP.
