Ensure integration of ancient practices, conservation of resources incorporation of technology


International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture in C M S College, Kottayam
Held on February 6 and 7, 2008


Prof George V Kallarackal, general convener, International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture


The international conference was an offshoot of the international conference organised by the Ecological Society of CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese. As part of the conference, a few associated programmes were organised. These were: 1. one-day workshop on organic and integrated farming for selected representatives of 12 panchayats in Kottayam and Alappuzha districts (January 18), 2.essay writing competition on sustainable agriculture for higher secondary students (Jan 25), 3. inter-collegiate quiz competition based on “Environment” ( Jan 29, with Dr C R Soman as quiz master), 4. an exhibition on sustainable innovative agricultural models on February 6 and 7.

The following stalls were put up, substantiating the theme of the discussions in the technical sessions:
Gandhiji Study Centre, Thodupuzha, 2.Krishi Vijnan Kendra, Kumarakom
3..Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kochi, 4.K V Dayal, Alappuzha
5. Plant Rich, Kottayam, 6. Agro-Biotech, Kottayam, 7. Fibre Food Products,Kottayam, 8. ‘Srishti’, Botany Department of CMS College
9.Maya Mushroom, Kottayam, 10.Artec Publishers
11.Zoology Museum of CMS College, 12.Film show on “Endo Sulfan” in MG University Off-Campus Centre of CMS College

The international conference was inaugurated by Smt D Purandareswari, Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development. Technical session ! was on “Emerging trends in Agricultural Practices”.The focal theme was presented by P J Joseph, former Minister for Education, Public Works and Revenue and Home.He was assisted and supported by Dr K G Padmakumar, professor and head, Department of Aquaculture, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom and by Dr P V Balachandran, associate director of research, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi, Palakkad. This was followed by presentation of research papers.

The focal theme of Technical Session II was “Bio-diversity conservation and practices”. The main presentation was by Dr A R R Menon, scientist and head, Ecology Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur. He was supported by Dr Jacob John, assistant professor (agronomy), Cropping Systems Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. This was followed by reseach paper presentation.

Technical Session III was held on February 7. The focal theme was “Bio-technological interventions for sustainable agriculture”. The main presentation was by Dr John B Sale, vice-president of John Ray Institute, UK. He was supported by Dr T R Gopalakrishnan, CEO, Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kochi and Dr Joshi Cherian, chairman, Indian Organic Farmers Producers Co.Ltd, Aluva. This was followed by research paper presentation.

The chief guest of the valedictory function was Dr K K Yunuskutty, pro-vice-chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University.

The agricultural package, which emerged out of the deliberations of the conference was handed over to PWD Minister Mons Joseph by Rev Shajan Idiculla, clergy secretary, CSI Madhya Kerala Diocese.

The package contains the following essential observations:
Like in the ancient past, an active participation of women should be ensured at all levels for the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

There is an urgent need to exercise regulatory measures for the responsible management of available natural resources. Both short-term and long-term goals need to be perfectly blended into each other while preparing an agricultural policy.

Most important of all, agriculture today requires an ever-green revolution, which can be achieved only through scientific integration of ancient practices, like organic farming, and conservation of presently available resources and safe incorporation of modern technology.

The feedback at the end of the conference revealed that the talk by P J Joseph, chairman Gandhiji Study Centre, was the most informative and substantiating on the relevant topic.