3-day symposium on Climate-Proofing Innovation for Poverty Reduction and Food Security

Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Dr.William Dar (C) listens to questions during a press conference along with Co-Chair of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate change Dr.Martin Parry (L), and Chair of the ICRISAT Governing Board Dr.Simon Best (R) in Hyderabad, on Thursday 22/11/07 during the International Symposium on climate change.

As part of the 35th Anniversary celebrations, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), organised a 3-day symposium on Climate-Proofing Innovation for Poverty Reduction and Food Security: 22-24 November 2007, HYDERABAD, India. Experts from 15 international agricultural research institutions attended the three-day Hyderabad conference in the run-up to the Bali summit, demanding action by governments before it is too late.

The symposium was inaugurated by Dr Martin Parry, Co-Chair of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with former US vice president Al Gore.

Dr Parry also presented the 35th Anniversary Commemorative Awards. The Most Distinguished Research Partner Award was presented to Dr Mangala Rai, Director General, ICAR.The Outstanding Research Partner Awards were presented to Dr Raj Paroda, Executive Secretary, APAARI; Dr Seyfu Ketema, Executive Director, ASARECA; Dr Paco Sereme, Executive Secretary, CORAF/ WECARD; and Dr Monty Jones, Executive Director, FARA.

According to the crop research institute, one billion of the world's poorest are vulnerable to the impact of climate change on agriculture - from desertification and land degradation to loss of biodiversity and water scarcity.

"Climate change will generally reduce production potential and increase the risk of hunger. Where crops are grown near their maximum temperature tolerance and where dry land, non-irrigated agriculture predominates, the challenge of climate change could be overwhelming, especially on subsistence farmers" said Martin Parry

Warning that the world was rapidly nearing its tolerance threshold for rising temperatures: "The challenge will no longer be producing the maximum amounts of food but to meet the increasing variability of climate from time to time. Researchers will have to concentrate on "drought-proofing" crops and developing heat-resistant varieties to cope with the problems". (Sri Lanka Sunday Times on line)

See also:

Climate change could decrease rice yields: Hindu Business Line

Agrarian crisis looming as climate changes: China Economic Net

ICRISAT to reorient strategy: The Hindu

Scientists warn of agrarian crisis from climate change: e-news + The Daily Star

Climate change to cause agrarian crisis: The Manila Times

Crop research 'must switch to climate adaptation' SciDevNet + AllAfrica

World faces agricultural crisis, scientists warn Business Report