Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Visits ICAR–IISWC, Dehradun

1 March 2026, Dehradun

Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation, Dehradun today to review the ongoing activities at the institute.

In his address, Shri Chouhan emphasized that soil health conservation and sustainable water management are fundamental to agricultural development and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He stressed the need to set clear targets and develop a roadmap for expanding soil and water conservation technologies across villages and called for transforming conservation efforts into a people’s movement (Jan Andolan) with active participation of farmers and citizens.

Farmers associated with the Institute shared their experiences, highlighting how scientific interventions helped reduce soil erosion, rehabilitate degraded lands, and improve water availability through water-harvesting structures, mechanical measures, and bio-engineering approaches. Hi-Tech Bamboo Nurseries were showcased for providing location-specific bamboo species for conservation purposes, including the distribution of Dendrocalamus stocksii in Haridwar for riverbank erosion control.

The Institute also demonstrated livelihood-oriented initiatives such as the promotion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for value addition and diversified income generation, including preparation of organic garlic and amla pickles. The introduction of high-value crops like black turmeric and training programmes on bamboo crafts were highlighted as efforts to enhance rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for marginal farmers and rural youth.

On this occasion, Shri Vinay Ruhela, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management Department, Government of Uttarakhand; Dr. Charan Singh, Head, Human Resource Development Division; Dr. J.M.S. Tomar, Head, Plant Science Division; Dr. D.V. Singh, Head, Agronomy & Soil Science Division; Shri Girish Bhatt, Chief Administrative Officer (Senior Grade); Dr. Banke Bihari, In-charge, PME; Dr. Sadikul Islam, Scientist; Er. Amit Chauhan, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, along with senior officers, scientists, farmers, and staff members of the Institute, were present on the occasion. The Institute expressed its sincere gratitude to the Minister for his valuable guidance and encouragement towards strengthening soil and water conservation efforts in the country.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation, Dehradun)