Telangana Irrigation Secretary Dr Rajat Kumar on Tuesday called for a collective effort to overcome environmental challenges.
Kumar was the chief guest at the International Biodiversity Day, organised by the Telangana State Biodiversity Board. Addressing the gathering, Kumar said, “Per capita income of Telangana is now Rs 3.2 lakh as compared to Rs 1.2 lakh previously. The state’s forest cover has increased to 8 %. There is a need to question ourselves as to what is new about the biodiversity day. There is a need to press into action since very few resources are remaining. In 1798, a UK-based economist, Malthus wrote that population is growing at geometric progression while production follows arithmetic progression. This will lead to Malthyesian checks, i.e. wars, famines or mass destruction causing a natural imbalance.”
“The industrial revolution provided a boost to production with the invention of the steam engine which connected the world. The per capita income has also risen significantly from $500 during the 1790s to $ 12,000 at present,” he added.
Kumar further said, “In 1972, a scientist from Europe collaborated on a project and prepared chemical fertilisers in order to feed the growing population of the world. Organic farming seems to be picking up now. However, if chemical fertilisers aren’t used it will be tough to meet the demands of the increasing population.”
The Chief Secretary said, “When the human population was 1 billion, 14 % of the land was being used and now with the population at 8 billion and 44% of land is being used. Resources are being exhausted due to increased consumption.”
“Environmental issues affect all of us in various ways. The world hasn’t moved ahead of agreements since there was no action taken by certain countries due to their own challenges. Agreements are being signed but no concrete actions are being taken. It will take a collective effort to overcome the challenges. “
Ahead of his address, Kumar also launched a book titled, “Agro-biodiversities of Telangana: A treaties on genetic resources of agri-horticultural crops”
An exhibition of agricultural products was also inaugurated at the beginning of the programme; research institutes including Deccan Development Society, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State University, Telangana State Medical Plants Board among others displayed a variety of products.
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