Proper utilization of water can make farmers the best watershed managers. ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC) director Dr PK Mishra said this at the conclusion of a three-day short training course on soil and water conservation methods at the institute on Thursday.
Addressing the participants comprising 20 progressive farmers and SHG members from Hoshiyarpur, Punjab, he urged them to understand the watershed concept and to conserve water. He stressed on the importance of groundwater recharging, water harvesting, moisture conservation and rainfed farming. The director said, "Watershed is a store house of water while groundwater is water bank balance.
Adopting efficient crop planning can enable the cultivation of crops that have a low water requirement. Agri-horti system, agro-forestry system and diversification of agriculture can enhance the farmers' income," he added. The institute's head of HRD and Social Science division, Dr lakhan Singh exhorted the participants to adopt participatory watershed management approach. Soil Science and Agronomy division head Dr NK Sharma spoke on agronomical measures for soil and water conservation.
He asked the participants to practice all the agricultural operations on contour/across the slope for runoff absorption and erosion control, follow recommended integrated nutrients management practices for raising crop to improve water and nutrient use efficiency and follow crop rotation by inclusion of legumes with cereal crops.