Food security to be affected by climate change: PAU VC

LUDHIANA: Noting that farm productivity would see significant drop due to climate change, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice Chancellor MS Kang has said food security in both developing and developed countries is likely to be affected because of change in weather.

The loss related to climate change is expected to hit developing countries hard, as agriculture employs extensive number of people being their economic mainstay, he said.

Kang shared his views while addressing a technical session 'Towards Climate Resilient Development-Way Forward' during a National Policy Dialogue On Climate Change Actions in New Delhi, said a release issued here.

The session was organised by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), United National Development Program (UNDP), World Conservation Union (IUCN), Development Alternatives and Watershed Development Trust (DAWDT).

Kang said that the climate change and weather forecasting were the key focus areas for global food security.

The issue is being pro-actively pursued in the country as discussions and conferences are being arranged on the subject, he said.

The climate change can have multiple effects on agriculture and human living as it impacts health, purchasing power and market flows, said Kang.

In counties like India, climate change could adversely affect the already stressed ecological and socio-economic systems because of rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and economic development, observed Kang.