Good Weather Code key for sustainable agriculture, says Prof Swaminathan

Chennai:

Noted crop scientist Prof M S Swaminathan on Tuesday stressed the need for Good Weather Code which will help in optimising the benefits of good rainfall.



The scientist made this comment after Indian Meteorological Department predicted that there would be an above normal monsoon this year.



The professor suggested ‘Good Weather Code’ to be developed and implemented at the panchayat level for maximizing benefits from the predicted good monsoon.



“The good weather code involves action on mobilising the necessary good quality seed resources and the needed soil nutrients,” he said.



Pulses and millets which require less water and which are nutritious can be the crops of choice both from the point of view of nutritional needs and climate resilience. The good weather code can be prepared at the Panchayat level and can be popularised through trained climate risk managers. Maximising the benefits of good monsoon and minimising the adverse impact of unfavourable weather should be our twin strategy for sustainable agriculture, he said.



The preparation of good weather codes with farmer’s participation should be completed in April so that it can be implemented from May onwards” he added.