ECO Agriculture: Second National Round Table

Eco-Agriculture or Agro-Ecology is capable of producing enough food in a sustainable manner and is being recognized by the United Nations as the most critical desideratum for an environment-friendly future.

The urgency has escalated during the last few decades. World forums are instigating transfer of theories from lab to land. Accordingly, Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) launched its Working Group last year on Eco Agriculture in May 2017. Dr M H Mehta, distinguished Life Sciences Professor and Ex-Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Agricultural University. Under his flagship, Dr Mehta is to play a vital role in drafting a roadmap for ushering in the impending `Ever Green` - Eco Agriculture revolution.

The Agenda for the Second National Round Table is work on the objectives, recommendations and to monitor the progress; The presentation was the expert subgroups which were formed. Dr M J Khan of the ICFA briefed about the National Round Table and on the topic Eco-Agriculture. The Chairman Dr M H Mehta, smartly informed that it is the KNOWHOW To Do HOW.

The presentation by Dr PVSM Gouri, VP Organics highlighted the importance of the Organics and then the ways and means were presented by the PPT show followed by the Dr Nutan Kaushik, DG, Food & Agriculture Foundation of Amity University. Ms Poornima Savargaonkar discussed the subject in details and cautioned the farmers not to burn the crop residue and to use the same to make the organic manure. The eminent speakers were Dr PPS Pangli, President Borlaug Farmers Association and Dr Sarita Bhalla, Cons (Pharma), CIB &RC gave the account of the approvals of the pesticides etc.

Dr Sujata Goel emphasis was on the Organic farming Policy. The 20 point advisory note for the Government of India was also circulated.

Dr M J Khan also briefed about the future planning of the subject. The participants enthusiastically took part in the deliberations to finalize the recommendations.