Training on Enhancing the Productivity of Degraded Lands Organized

24^th – 28^th February 2025, Dehradun

ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun, organized a 5-day training programme on enhancing the productivity of degraded lands from February 24 to 28, 2025. The programme brought together 24 participants from seven states—Chandigarh, New Delhi, Haryana, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Nagaland. These participants included representatives from state governments, ICAR, KVKs, and research scholars. The training focused on innovative approaches to land and watershed management, soil health restoration, water conservation, and agroforestry.

Dr M. Madhu, Director, ICAR-IISWC, emphasized the importance of restoring degraded lands to enhance agricultural productivity and make farming more climate-resilient. The success of the training reflects ICAR-IISWC's commitment to promoting advanced conservation techniques and enhancing agricultural resilience, he added.

The training offered both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. It covered the design of conservation structures, micro-irrigation, water harvesting, agroforestry, and conservation horticulture. Participants engaged in practical demonstrations at the Research Farm in Selakui, learning about soil and water conservation structures, agroforestry, and horticulture models for restoring degraded lands. Field visits to rehabilitated mine spoil sites at Sahastradhara and water harvesting projects in Kalimati allowed participants to observe real-world applications of the concepts taught.

The training featured expert-led sessions by specialists on topics such as land and watershed management, sustainable soil health, design of water harvesting structures, modern irrigation techniques, and community participation in watershed management.

The programme concluded with a valedictory session, where participants shared their feedback, highlighting the training's impact on fostering sustainable agricultural and environmental conservation practices. 

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