ICAR-National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management (NIASM), Baramati organized a national webinar on “Climate-smart Integrated Farming System (CIFS)” to explore the scope and identify the components for CIFS for the regions affected by abiotic stresses, to share experiences and learn lessons to integrate climate resilient components in IFS and to create awareness on CIFS for livelihood and nutritional security.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director, ICAR-NIASM and Chairman of webinar delivered introductory remarks. He highlighted the effect of climate change on agriculture, benefits of integrated farming system and how to transform IFS into CIFS.

Experts from different disciplines, talks, views and discussions on various aspects of CIFS was included in the webinar. Dr. S Bhaskar, Assistant Director General (AAF&CC), ICAR, New Delhi, delivered elaborative talk on agroforestry as a strategy for adaptation and mitigation of climate change in CIFS. Dr. GV Ramanjaneyulu, Director, Center for sustainable agriculture, Hyderabad highlighted the agro-ecological and organic management strategies for achieving ecological and economical sustainability in CIFS. Dr. PL Saroj delivered elaborate talk on horticulture-based integrated farming system in arid region. Dr. V Sejain, Senior Scientist ICAR-NIANP, Bangalore delivered exhaustive talk on impacts of multiple abiotic stresses on livestock production and its mitigation strategies also emphasized on selection of appropriate species and breed of livestock for integrating in CIFS. Dr. Kamal Sarma, Principal Scientist, ICAR-RCER, Patna discussed the methodology in detail for integration and management of fisheries in CIFS.

The webinar highlighted the scope and need of climate-smart integrated farming system for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). It provided an opportunity to the participants to listen the distinguish guest speakers and way forward for conducting further research in this domain. This national webinar was attended by more than 270 participants comprising of faculties, scientists and students across the nation. The webinar concluded with closing remarks of Director, NIASM.

Support and help were received from the team members of CIFS project, SESM NIASM Scientists and Er. Pravin More, Sr. Tech. Asst. for successful organization of webinar.