PM bats for preserving Himalayan biodiversity, trad crops

Pant Nagar (Uttarakhand), Jun 19 (PTI) With alien species
threatening the delicate balance in Himalayas, Indian Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday stressed on conserving the
endemic fauna of the fragile ecosystem in upper reaches of
Uttarakhand and promoting traditional crops.

"The Himalayas need to be saved from the invasion of
exotic species (non-native species). Their biodiversity, most
of which is endemic, should be allowed to flourish in its
original habitats," Singh said in his convocation address at
the GB Pant University here, in northern state Uttarakhand.
Pointing to the state's fragile eco-system, he stressed
on a special and sensitive approach towards agricultural
development which focuses on preserving the ecosystem and also
respects the social and cultural traditions of the people.
In mountain areas, traditional crops still form a
significant part of the agricultural practices possessing
unique characteristics such as resistance against pests and
drought conditions, better palatability, aroma and medicinal
properties, and should be protected and promoted, he added.
"Cultivation of a base crop along with a dozens of
inter-cultured crops is also a unique characteristic of hill
agriculture. It is a wonderful example of preservation of
bio-diversity and minimisation of risk," Singh said.
He further noted that such traditional systems need
special attention in our Research and Development efforts and
adequate attention must be paid to these areas. PTI AJ
RBT