Letters to the EDITOR: Climate resilience in agriculture

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Climate resilience in agriculture

The editorial, 'Sector-specific climate resilience in Assam', published in your esteemed daily on March 29, is really timely and thought-provoking, as the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector is going to be one of the major deciding factors that will influence the food security of mankind in the future. With weather and climate experts sounding the alarm bell on increasing events of hot and humid conditions in Assam, building climate resilience in the state needs to be the topmost priority to address issues of vulnerability in sectors like agricultural productivity, traditional livelihoods, forest and ecology and water availability to integrate the state's economic implications. A comprehensive survey focusing on different agro-climate regions in the state is of utmost necessity, as adaptation solutions can not be a one-size-fits-all approach in different districts. Farmers need to adapt both flood- and drought-resilient varieties for farm livelihoods to remain sustainable. Crop diversification is an important option for livelihood security and resilience to climate variability. There is a need to emphasise crop diversification and intensive crop production during the flood-free period. It can be mentioned here that Assam Agricultural University has recommended several cropping patterns for different agro-climate zones of Assam for flood-affected and also for drought-prone areas. In the fishery sector, the major problem faced by the farmers during floods is the escape of cultured fish and entry of predatory fish. It can be restricted by placement of nylon net along the periphery of fish ponds and by raising the height of dykes around ponds to the desired level. Maintenance of a fish seed bank for restocking after a flood is an important intervention which enhances the resilience of the livestock system. No doubt, the Government of India initiated the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a praiseworthy scheme to provide much-needed succour to the farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops due to natural calamities. Understanding the impact of climate change is essential to address the climate-related issues. Through application of artificial intelligence we can explore to develop data-based climate adaptation models for Assam with the active participation of communities, without whom all the climate mitigation strategies will not produce desired results.

Iqbal Saikia,

Guwahati.

BSF vs. Infiltrators

As citizens of the country, we are often confused and frustrated by the contradictory statements that arise periodically from the government regarding the issue of infiltrators from Bangladesh. Recently, the home minister of India made a statement in Parliament, claiming that the influx of infiltrators—comprising Bangladeshis and Rohingyas—into Assam took place during the Congress government. However, a similar situation is now unfolding in West Bengal under the TMC rule. This raises a fundamental question: Who is responsible for securing the Indo-Bangladesh border? The Border Security Force (BSF) is tasked with this duty. And who oversees the BSF? It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. If the situation is deteriorating, why is the BSF not held accountable for its failure to prevent infiltration?

Such misplaced rhetoric does not provide any solutions and only adds to the confusion. The issue needs to be addressed with a clear and consistent approach, rather than shifting blame.

Prafulla Dowarah

Guwahati

Mahasagar boost

India's Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) policy has turned heads. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced the new vision after he met with his Mauritius counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Against this backdrop the PM's Thailand visit from April 4 assumes great significance as it restates his favourite "neighbourhood first" policy. Modi's participation at the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit in Thailand further underscores New Delhi's broad Indo-Pacific vision. Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal and Bhutan are the other BIMSTEC members.

Collaboration, cooperation and momentum between the BIMSTEC nations are expected to be extensively deliberated at Bangkok. Security, trade, investment, energy and climate changes are crucial issues that may also be taken up at the summit. There could not have been a better theme for the summit than "Prosperous, Resilient and Open".

Additionally, bilateral ties between the two maritime neighbours – India and Thailand – could scale new heights when Modi and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra meet. Although the PM has visited Thailand twice, this will be his first meeting with Ms Shinawatra, who took over last year.

Dr Ganapathi Bhat

(gbhat13@gmail.com)

No place

for comedians

In India, while speech is freer than ever, hatred and abuse flourish, especially on social media and television channels. Despite the Internet's design to bypass restrictions, there is little political will to curb harmful speech. On the other hand, comedians and individuals expressing dissent face increasing censorship. Figures like Vir Das, Munawar Faruqui, and Kunal Kamra have been targeted for jokes, often leading to legal or violent threats. Political and religious sensitivities fuel much of this outrage, with both BJP and non-BJP governments suppressing critics.

Defending free speech requires standing up even for views we find offensive. It’s easy to support speech we agree with, but true commitment lies in protecting it, even when it challenges us.

Jubel D'Cruz,

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)