Seminar on Impact and Influence of the Western Ghats on Agriculture and Economy in Peninsular India Held in Dharwad

Srinivasulu, Principal Secretary of the Department of Forest, Environment and Ecology, spoke after inaugurating the seminar on “Impact and Influence of the Western Ghats on Agriculture and Economy in Peninsular India” organized by Eco Watch at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. He emphasized the high ecological and scientific significance of the Western Ghats and urged recognition of its value for humanity’s future. He noted that scientists contributed to the Green Revolution and highlighted that about 25 percent of modern medicines originate from flora of the Western Ghats, calling for greater attention to natural resources that underpin pharmaceutical products. He also stated that the Western Ghats have significantly contributed to biotechnology and genetic engineering and urged retaining the Ghats as an inseparable part of human life. Environmentalist Suresh Heblikar expressed concern over changing agricultural patterns, warning against monocropping of sugarcane over large areas and urged reconsideration of such practices. He cited reports of increasing landslides in the Western Ghats due to unscientific deforestation, hill cutting, and steep slope alterations. Presiding over the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor P. L. Patil urged forestry students to become “warriors” in protecting the Western Ghats.