Experts at the Sustainable Mountain Development Summit have recommended setting up of a farmers’ income commission to ensure minimum respectable income to farmers, incensing the eco system services provided by Himalayan states and climate change adoption and resilience building of mountain farmers. These recommendations of the summit held in Shoolini University were presented at the conclave of Chief Ministers and delegates from about a dozen states in the Himalayan region at Shimla on Friday.

The summit on “Well-being of the next generation of farmers” was attended by over 200 delegates, including four ex-Chief Secretaries, five Vice Chancellors, members of civil society and counsellors of IMIs.

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Shoolini University Vice Chancellor Prof PK Khosla gave details of the proceedings and recommendations at the conclave.

The summit was organised by Centre of Research on Himalayan Sustainability and Development of Shoolini University and Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) with support from Himachal Pradesh government.

Other recommendations included a mechanism for compensating farmers for eco system services, provision for green cess, green bonds and establishments of green infrastructure fund. It also called for developing Brand Himalaya and recommended compensating Himalayan states for conservation of natural resources.

Prof Khosla said the summit ended with a hope and determination that the next generation youth will play the pivotal role in conserving the Himalayan states. The Summit sought a balance between development and conservation of environment.

It also called upon to create on the lines of apple cultivation several other success stories suiting the different agro climatic zones of the ten Himalayan states and hill districts of Darjeeling and Assam. It was recommended that integrated mountain initiative should also play the key role of a coordinator between the Himalayan people and the Indian Government so that the region gets its due share also from national exchequer when it is mandatory for the Himalayan States to protect sixty six percent forest area for the conservation of the Indo Gangetic basin and Brahamputra basin.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the Summit, Himachal minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Cooperation Dr Rajiv Saizal, said the recommendations made at the summit would be studied by the state government for implementation.

He said that Himalayan region, which is spread over eight countries, must be preserved for future generations.

Sushil Ramola, president of IMI, stressed the need for everyone to come together to face challenges.

He said the Himalayan region was adversely affected by melting of glaciers, floods, hail storms and other natural calamities.