Workshop on mitigating impact of natural disasters begins

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) A three-day regional workshop of Asia and Pacific and East Asian countries on the role of agricultural cooperatives/farmers'organisations in mitigating the impact of 'Natural Disasters and Climate Change'began here today to evolve a concerted strategy to meet the challenges in near future.

The workshop has been organised by the Regional Network for the Development of Agricultural Co-operatives in Asia and Pacific (NEDAC) and is being attended by delegates from NEDAC member countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India.

From India, National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) and National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) are participating in the workshop.

The Managing Director, NCDC, is the Chairman of NEDAC which has its main office is in Bangkok.

Mr W.I.Khan of FAO and Dr U S Awasthi, MD, IFFCO said earth had been facing lots of climate changes for the past 50 years and was producing 40 per cent more than what it could actually produce.

"All of us need to think to save the earth and humans from natural disasters," they said.

The country papers would be presented by the participating delegates of various countries and these will be followed by group discussions. The last day of the workshop will be devoted to discussions and for finalising the recommendations for follow -up action.

UNI JSS PK HT1747