MSS warns of impending drought, grain shortage

Jul 12, 2012 |

chennai

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Eminent agriculture scientist and Rajya Sabha MP, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, on Wednesday raised concern about droughts and shortage of grain following the abnormal monsoon this year.

Launching a certification course in environmental stewardship and carbon management, conducted by Greenovation Eco Ventures, Prof Swaminathan said India had an abnormal monsoon this year though it seemed normal. Parts of Vidarbha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have several problems due to this, he said.

“We (Tamil Nadu) have a problem in kuruvai crop cultivation because Cauvery water has to come and if there is no rain in the upper catchment area, then there is a problem downstream,” he explained.

Predicting uncertain and extreme weather conditions due to climate change, Prof Swaminathan said if the mercury level went up even by 2 degrees Celsius, the duration of yield for wheat would go down by a week.

“If the duration of wheat goes down by one week, we will lose about 400 kg of yield. One to two degrees centigrade more will result in seven million tonnes of wheat loss,” he added.

Prof Swaminathan lamented that the current growth rate of 6.5 per cent and higher inflation compounded price hike. Be it the Koodankulam nuclear power project or Bt brinjal, government should look at the societal point of view, he opined.

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