Conserving Biodiversity in Assam: Preserving Native Crop Varieties for Sustainable Agriculture

In a landmark initiative, the Director General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Dr. Vibha Dhawan, emphasized the importance of preserving and cultivating high-yielding native crop varieties in Assam’s Udalguri district. During a stakeholder consultation programme organized by Aaranyak, a premier biodiversity conservation organization, Dr. Dhawan highlighted the need to protect and promote these crop varieties, which are well-suited to the region, for the well-being of society.

Dr. Dhawan’s emphasis on preservative and drought-resilient crops echoes her previous statements on the role of agrobiodiversity in mitigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, she underscored the significance of improving soil health, a vital component of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. As part of the GEF-UNDP Small Grants Programme, Aaranyak, along with other stakeholders, is working to facilitate human-elephant coexistence and biodiversity conservation in the region.

The meeting, attended by over 70 participants, was highly interactive, with project beneficiaries engaging in discussions with dignitaries. Local agricultural experts from the Dimakuchi Agricultural Development Office and the Agricultural Extension Assistant from Bholatar VCDC joined the consultation, providing valuable insights on available agricultural support mechanisms, including current government schemes and minimum support prices. Dr. Dhawan praised the community for their efforts in developing mother-plant blocks of various crops, including sweet lemon, Assam lemon, Tezpur litchi, and black pepper.

Notably, Aaranyak recently received the SGP Best Innovation Award from UNDP and TERI for its innovative implementation of the project. This recognition serves as a testament to their commitment to conservation, community development, and human-elephant coexistence. Dr. Dhawan also inaugurated a children’s library for the children of nursery workers, stating that it would serve as a valuable resource for the children, nurturing their curiosity and providing them with knowledge beyond the classroom.

Dr. Dipankar Saharia, Senior Director of TERI, highlighted local challenges and the importance of collaborative efforts for biodiversity conservation. The National Coordinator of the SGP-OP7 project, Manish Pandy, emphasized the significance of stakeholder collaboration to achieve the project’s set goals. As Aaranyak continues to push the boundaries of innovative conservation initiatives, this meeting served as an essential step towards fostering a community-driven approach to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation in Assam.

Original Source: https://nenews.in/assam/assam-teri-chief-urges-preservation-of-high-yielding-native-crop-varieties-during-consultation-program-in-udalguri/22721/
Category : Assam,Aaranyak,The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI),Udalguri district
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Publish Date: 2025-04-01 15:03:00