In a significant move to combat the escalating challenges of climate change, the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar is introducing two specialised PhD programmes. These advanced courses in agrometeorology and silviculture and agroforestry are designed to arm the next generation of scholars with the critical skills needed to address environmental crises.
New Frontiers in Climate Science
The PhD programme in agrometeorology is scheduled to begin in the current academic year. This initiative represents a vital step towards comprehending and forecasting increasingly volatile weather patterns driven by climate change. According to a professor from the university, the programme is engineered for higher study to develop cutting-edge technology for tackling environmental issues.
Graduates from this department will be equipped to address agricultural production constraints under changing climatic scenarios, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture. The department serves as a hub for multi-disciplinary research, leveraging new tools and knowledge like crop weather modelling, remote sensing, and satellite technology. These resources are crucial for monitoring crop health and delivering essential agro-advisory services to farmers.
Boosting Green Cover with Agroforestry
The second programme, a PhD in silviculture and agroforestry, will commence from the upcoming academic session. This focus is particularly relevant for Odisha, which has an impressive 35 per cent of its geographical area under tree cover. This presents a tremendous opportunity for advancing climate-smart agriculture practices throughout the state.
The Odisha government has recently sanctioned this programme at OUAT. A spokesperson, Roul, emphasized that it will play a significant role in developing highly skilled manpower to counter climate-change adversities. This will be achieved through advanced training, research, and innovation.
The curriculum will provide scholars with a deep understanding of climate-resilient land-use systems, carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable tree-based farming. Research undertaken will concentrate on developing drought-and heat-tolerant species, soil and water conservation techniques, improving biomass productivity, and creating agroforestry models that enhance resilience for farming communities.
Equipping Future Leaders and Innovators
The university's vice-chancellor highlighted that students will gain proficiency in modern tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, climate modelling, and growth simulation. This expertise will enable them to analyse the impacts of climate change and design practical, on-the-ground adaptation strategies.
Upon graduation, these experts can contribute as researchers, educators, and policymakers. Their roles will involve guiding climate-smart forestry and agroforestry interventions, supporting government programmes, promoting green entrepreneurship, and strengthening rural livelihoods through sustainable resource management. Currently, OUAT offers PhD programmes in agricultural science, horticultural science, animal science, and fishery science, with these new additions marking a strategic expansion into critical environmental fields.
