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| 4-day International Conference begins at Leh | | ‘Noval approaches for food, health security in High altitude’ | | Early Times Report
Leh | Sept 16
While the whole world including India is concerned over food security especially in high altitude areas is even more important in today's context. Because of the harsh environmental condition coupled with difficult terrain, even the basic requirement is sometimes difficult to fulfill, said M Natarajan, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and Secretary Defence R&D and DG R&D.
Inaugurating the 4-day international conference on "Novel Approaches for Food and Health Security in High Altitude" organized by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), an establishment of Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO), on the eve of golden jubilee of DRDO at Rinchen Auditorium Leh from September 6-10, M Natarajan said that taking Ladakh as an example, the region is strategically important and therefore there is heavy deployment of troops. He said ensuring regular supply of fresh food is a major challenge to all of us and above that due to harsh environmental conditions, ensuring health security of the people living in this part of the world is even more challenging. He said DRDO has been working since its establishment towards ensuring food and health security of the people of Ladakh and the troops deployed here.
Giving an overview about the conference, Dr Shashi Bala Singh, Director, DIHAR said the theme of this conference is 'To enhance performance and sustainable development at High Altitude', is exceedingly important in today's context. The envisaged objectives of this conference, she added, was to unravel the new approaches to secure food and health security in high altitudes has got a paradigm shift and an altogether new horizon through sustained and thought provoking scientific sessions during this conference.
"We are witnessing global food crisis which has forced millions to go hungry. Food becomes unavailable to millions due to soaring food prices. I think scientific deliberations and outcome of the conference would help us enhance our understanding of food and health security in such harsh conditions of Ladakh," she added.
Appreciating the R&D (research and development) efforts of DRDO for meeting the fresh food requirement of army which was equally beneficial for boosting the socio-economic status of local farmers, Chering Dorjay Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council said the scientific deliberation during the conference will resolve some of high altitude agro-animal problems viz. pashmina goats, utilization of seabuckthorn etc.
Lt Gen VK Ahluwalia GOC, 14 Corps, highlighted the outstanding contribution of DRDO especially Defence Institute of High Altitude Research for yeomen services for armed forces as well as society of the region.
Dr Anil K. Gupta Professor IIM, Ahmadabad, a noted grass root scientist delivered his key note address on "Peaks of performance: Socio-ecology of adaptation and innovation in High Altitude areas" while Dr B. Bhatacharjee member NDMA presented his paper on "Food and Health security in High Altitude- Back drop and challenges to R&D community". Dr O P Chaurasia, senior scientist of Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), highlighted the programmes of session.
The eminent scientists Prof K R Koundal, Joint Director, IARI delivered lecture on 'Biotechnology for enhancing crop productivity and income' while Dr Agnes Rimando, USDA – ARS, USA, delivered lecture on 'Pterostibele from blueberry with pharmacological properties. Dr R C Sawhney, Director Life Sciences DRDO, Dr Rao Mentreddy, Professor, Alabama A & M Univ. USA, Dr Thomas Terrill, Scientist Fort Valley State Univ. USA, Dr R B Srivastava, Director, Defence Research Laboratory, Tezpur, Dr Zakwan Ahmed Director, Defence Agriculture Research Laboratory, Pithoragarh and Dr Brahma Singh, WNRF & WWF also delivered lectures on various topics. |
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