A highly informative workshop for journalists was successfully conducted today at the Press Club Chandigarh, focusing on crucial issues such as heat waves in Punjab, climate change, and the role of agro-meteorological data in supporting farmers. Organized by Clean Air Punjab in collaboration with the Chandigarh Press Club, Asar and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) as the knowledge partner.
The welcome address was given by Nalin Acharya, Chandigarh Press Club President.
The session commenced with a detailed presentation on the current state and impact of heat waves in Punjab and Haryana. The IMD scientists highlighted the alarming rise in frequency and intensity of heat waves in the region, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and preparedness. They explained the science behind heat waves, their correlation with global warming, and the anticipated future scenarios if current trends continue.
Following this, the discussion transitioned to the broader issue of climate change. The experts elaborated on the various facets of climate change, including its causes, consequences, and the specific challenges it poses to the state of Punjab and Haryana. They emphasized the importance of mitigation and adaptation strategies to combat the adverse effects of climate change, encouraging proactive measures at both governmental and community levels.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to exploring the role of agro-meteorological data in aiding farmers. The scientists Ajay Kumar Singh, Scientist E (Head IMD Chandigarh) and Shivinder Singh, Scientist D from IMD demonstrated how this data is collected, analyzed, and disseminated to farmers, providing them with critical information on weather patterns, crop management, and risk mitigation. The use of agro-med data has proven to be a game-changer for the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to make informed decisions, improve crop yields, and reduce losses due to adverse weather conditions.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where journalists had the opportunity to engage with the experts, gaining deeper insights and clarifications on the discussed topics. The event was well-received by the attendees, who appreciated the depth of information shared and the practical relevance of the topics covered.
This workshop not only enhanced the knowledge of the participating journalists but also reinforced the critical role of accurate meteorological data in addressing climate-related challenges and supporting the farming community.