National Conference on Climate Change in Horticulture Begins in Mulugu
Hyderabad, September 18, 2025
The Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dr. Mrityunjaya Mahapatra, has called for innovative and collective adaptation strategies to address the growing challenges of climate change. Speaking as the Chief Guest at the National Conference on the Impact of Climate Change on Horticulture, Dr. Mahapatra emphasized that only through joint mitigation efforts can the human, agricultural, and horticultural sectors be safeguarded from the impending crisis.
The two-day conference, being held on September 18 and 19 at Mulugu, is jointly organized by Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, the Department of Horticulture, Government of Telangana, NABARD, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dr. Mahapatra noted that small and marginal farmers remain the most vulnerable to climate change. “This crisis will not only trouble farmers and the general public but also the Meteorological Department. We are moving ahead with appropriate strategies to face it,” he said.
Currently, weather forecasts are accurate to the extent of 40–50 percent, he pointed out, adding that multi-model forecasting systems are being introduced to enhance accuracy. He stressed the need for innovative solutions tailored to small and marginal farmers in remote regions, along with timely dissemination of every aspect of environmental and climate change to citizens.
Dr. Mahapatra further urged farmers to adopt global action with local solutions—including appropriate crop choices, policy support, and sustainable cultivation practices. He also underlined the importance of intensified research into climate-resilient crop varieties that can provide high yields and nutritional value despite changing weather conditions.
Addressing the gathering, Telangana Agriculture Secretary and Agricultural Production Commissioner M. Raghunandan Rao said that while much of the research and policymaking so far has focused on ensuring the nation’s food security, the time has come to work towards nutritional security. He called on the IMD, scientists, and technical experts to collaborate in framing policies to overcome climate challenges. “Climate change is a serious obstacle to this goal, and solving it must be our collective mission,” he remarked.
Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, assured that the university is fully committed to extending technical expertise and research-driven solutions to farmers. “We will work closely with the government and the Horticulture Department to help farmers mitigate the impact of climate change on the horticultural sector,” he said.
During the conference, distinguished guests released a textbook titled “Introductory Agricultural Meteorology” and a Book of Abstracts compiled by experts.
The inaugural session was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Director of Horticulture Smt. Shaik Yasmin Basha, NABARD Chief General Manager K. Udaya Bhaskar, Borlaug Institute of South Asia Regional Program Leader Dr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, and University Registrar Dr. Bhagwan, besides senior officials from IMD, scientists, horticulture experts, and research scholars.
The conference aims to deliberate on practical solutions, advanced research, and policy directions to safeguard India’s horticultural heritage and ensure long-term resilience in the face of climate change.
