Food shortage due to climate change foreseen by expert
Gangtok,August14: The days in near future will be very challenging as there would be shortage of food in the world due to climate change, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in India and Chancellor of Sikkim University, said in the second foundation day programme of Sikkim University at Chinatan Bhavan on Friday.
Prof. Swaminathan was the chief speaker of a seminar on “Preparing for Climate Change”. He further said risk rise rapidly with rise in temperature. “Just rise in 2 degree Celsius temperature means 4 million people will have to face water shortage,” he said.
Regarding the effect of higher temperature on crops, he said rice and wheat yields are gradually decreasing. In context of India, he said 25 per cent of the country’s population lives near coastal areas and they make their livelihood from the sea and sea water. But with the rise of temperature, the water level of sea would lessen and this cause danger to their livelihood, he said.
As to how to cope with the climate change, he advised promotion of under utilized crops like millets, jawar and many other crops which can easily grow in low rainfall and higher temperature.
The Chancellor expressed hope that Sikkim University would be epicenter of learning for the world and innovate new ideas for the country as well as the world.
State Health Minister Mr. D.N.Thakarpa, who was chief guest of the programme said, “Sikkim University would produce such students who would apply their minds and think of noble ideas. He announced four new departments of the University - Department of Physical Science, Psychology, Integrated B.Sc and M.Sc in horticulture and floriculture and LL.B and LL.M. First Annual Report (2007-2008) of the University was also released by him. “Prosperity of the state lies in quality education”, the Minister said.
Prof. Mahendra P. Lama, Vice Chancellor of the University said, “We are now strengthening the foundation of the University and the initial hurdles have been overcome”. He said with the help of 150 faculty members of different renowned Universities the syllabus of Sikkim University was prepared. The University “is committed to maintain professionalism and accordingly professionally talented faculties are to be recruited”, he added.
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