Workshop of AICRP for Dryland Agriculture Inaugurated
27th December 2014, Indore
Dr. Panjab Singh, Former Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR inaugurated the XXIV Biennial Workshop of All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture is inaugurated at AICRPDA Centre, College of Agriculture, RVSKVV, Indore today. He emphasized the need for concerted research and development in dryland agriculture as further scope for irrigated agriculture is limited and future needs of food are expected majorly from rainfed agriculture in India. He suggested to focus on technology up scaling and ground level implementation of developed rainfed technologies through National Programmes.
Dr. A.K. Singh, Vice Chancellor, RVSKVV, Gwalior, in his presidential address, advocated efficient harvesting of rainwater, its conservation and efficient utilization, adaptation and mitigation to climate change and variability, soil carbon management with focused research in dryland agriculture.
Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, CRIDA presented the objectives of the workshop and the refined agenda for rainfed agriculture research in India. He also elaborated the status of upscaling of rainfed technologies and future strategies.
Dr. Masood Ali, Former Director, IIPR, Kanpur informed the house the challenges of rainfed agriculture and the role of pulse crops in rainfed systems.
On the occasion, "Best Dryland Farmer Award" was given to 18 innovative farmers across the country who are leading the implementation of rainfed technologies among rainfed farming community and also Best Centre Awards to three AICRPDA centres and two ORP centers. Books and bulletins in local languages which covered rainfed agriculture technology development and impacts were documented.
Dr.H.S. Yadava, Director of Research Services, RVSKVV, welcomed the gathering. Dr. A.M. Rajput, Dean, College of Agriculture, Indore gave a brief account of the activities of the College. Dr. M.P.Jain, Chief Scientist, AICRPDA Centre, Indore, proposed vote of thanks.
The workshop reviewed the progress of rainfed network research across 22 AICRPDA centres achieved during 2012-14 and finalization of technical programme for 2015-16.
More than 140 scientists from AICRPDA centres, CRIDA, RVSKVV & KVKs and progressive farmers participated from 26-29 December 2014.
(Source: NRM Division)
