Workshop on Disaster Management in Agriculture with Special Reference to Coastal India

 

The ICAR–CCARI, Goa, organized a workshop on disaster management in agriculture, with special reference to coastal India, on 11^th October 2024. Prof. (Dr.) J.S. Bhatia, Senior Consultant (Disaster Management) and Director of Training, MGSIPA, Government of Punjab, and former Assistant Commandant, ITBP/NDRF, MHA, Government of India, served as the resource person and delivered a detailed lecture, sharing practical experiences and case studies. He explained various hazards that cause disasters in agriculture and rural life, and discussed strategies for disaster risk reduction as a preventive measure in the event of floods, earthquakes, fires, and biological threats, including modern-day epidemics and pandemics. Prof. Bhatia emphasized the importance of hazard mapping of areas in coastal India to enhance preparedness and develop strategies to mitigate disaster risks in advance, thereby saving lives, animals, and crops.

Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director of ICAR-CCARI, briefed participants on the proactive measures taken over the past three years to safeguard lives and civil structures at the Institute. He also announced upcoming workshops aimed at reducing disaster impacts, which will be conducted for farmers in the field to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills. A total of 40 staff members attended the workshop and actively interacted with the expert, addressing their concerns about various disaster situations and rapid response strategies to minimize losses. The workshop was coordinated by Shri Vinod Ubarhande (Farm Superintendent) and Shri Rahul Kulkarni (ACTO, KVK), with technical assistance provided by Smt. Pranjali Wadekar (STO, Computer).