The 24th Kerala Science Congress will be held at the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII), also a co-organiser, at the latter's premises in Kottayam from January 29 to 31, 2012.
The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment is the primary organiser for the event, which is the only established State-level science congress.
PEER MODEL
It is modelled on the National Science Congress that takes place during the first few days of every January, but is slotted for the last three days of the same month, organisers told
Unlike the case of the national-level event, the proceedings and presented papers are distributed during the event itself. In the former case, it is usually delayed by months together.
The venues keep changing year after year, but there is a proposal to find a permanent venue for the event in the State Capital.
The special theme for the impending event is ‘Climate change: Plantation crops and spices of Kerala.'
SPECIAL THEME
The special theme will specifically consider the challenges and opportunities of climate change with particular thrust on its implications for plantation crops and spices.
The impact of climate change in the form of climate variabilities such as floods and droughts could adversely affect spices and plantation crops to a large extent.
There is an urgent need to adapt crop management, crop improvement and crop protection strategies in tune with projected climate change scenarios so as to mitigate the ill effects of weather aberrations and sustain their production in ensuing decades.
The productivity of spices and plantation crops is largely dependent on the environmental factors especially in different agro-ecological regions of Kerala.
INFLUENTIAL FACTORS
The total annual rainfall and its distribution, temperature and solar radiation are the most influential environmental factors governing their yield.
Environmental factors are also responsible for the development of seasonal quality (flavour) in some regions in Kerala. It is also a known fact that pest and disease incidence is related to the weather pattern.
Thus, temperature rise, increase in ambient carbon dioxide concentration and extreme rainfall events and drought brought about by climate change can affect production and quality of crops.
This comes about through influence of these factors on carbohydrate assimilation, respiration, evapotranspiration, pest and disease infestation, drought and flood incidence, and soil degradation.
EXPERT GUIDANCE
Eminent experts in the field will lead deliberations on the special theme.
There will be a panel discussion exclusively on ‘Science communication and journalism'. Another area for special session is ‘Cutting-edge research areas in science and technology and their implications on Kerala's development'.
Particular thrust will be given to encourage young researchers through Young Scientist Awards and the Children's Science Congress.
The State-level winners of the National Children Science Congress will be felicitated during the event.
An exhibition on science and technology will be an additional attraction, with the participation of major research and development organisations, science and technology institutions and industry. vinson@thehindu.co.in