19 February,2026 07:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Governor Acharya Devvrat addresses the valedictory session of Mumbai Climate Week at Jio World Centre. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat on Wednesday urged environmental experts to broaden their focus beyond global climate issues to include the agriculture sector and rural economy, highlighting the severe damage caused by excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Speaking at the valedictory session of Mumbai Climate Week at Jio World Centre, the governor said the increasing reliance on chemicals in farming was not only harming soil fertility but also polluting the environment and contributing to serious health issues.
"The adverse effects of chemical farming are dangerous. It leads to environmental pollution and the rise of serious diseases," he said.
"Environmental experts, while deliberating on global environmental protection, must also consider agriculture and the rural economy."
Governor Devvrat pointed out that chemical fertilisers such as urea and DAP, along with pesticides, release harmful gases like nitrous oxide, contaminate groundwater, enter the food chain, and render soil infertile. In contrast, he noted that natural farming improves soil fertility, organic carbon content, and groundwater levels. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promotion of natural farming through the National Mission on Natural Farming.
Citing a newspaper survey that detected pesticide residues in the breast milk of 105 mothers, the Governor stressed the urgent need to address these health risks.
Reflecting on Indian culture's traditional reverence for nature, he recalled how ancient education took place in close proximity to the environment. He contrasted this with modern consumerism, which he said has accelerated degradation. The governor cited the Covid-19 lockdown period, when reduced human activity led to cleaner rivers and clearer skies, as clear evidence that human interference is the primary cause of environmental harm.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde called for moving beyond intellectual debates to large-scale, concrete action on environmental protection. She noted that past prioritisation of development and infrastructure at the expense of the environment has led to the global crisis being faced today.
"Environmental issues are not confined to one region but are global in nature; hence, a global perspective is essential while implementing solutions," she said.
Munde highlighted the stress on soil, water, and air due to industrialisation and infrastructure expansion, and pointed out that economically backward nations had allowed harmful industries in pursuit of growth and were now bearing the consequences.
She expressed satisfaction that Mumbai Climate Week had provided a platform for experts from India and abroad to exchange ideas and hoped future conferences would focus on implementation.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde emphasised that urban development, economic growth, and climate responsibility must advance in coordination rather than in isolation. She said climate resilience cannot be achieved by government alone and requires collective efforts from public institutions, private industries, financial partners, research bodies, and citizens.
"Strong public-private partnerships, innovative financing, technical cooperation, and positive behavioural changes among citizens are essential," she added.
The three-day Mumbai Climate Week, organised by Project Mumbai, brought together environmentalists, policymakers, and experts to deliberate on climate change solutions.
