Need to set targets, develop roadmap for expanding soil and water conservation technologies: Chouhan

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Union minister of Agriculture and Farmers’s Welfare, and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that soil health conservation and sustainable water management are fundamental to agricultural development and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He stressed on 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 with active participation of farmers and citizens. The minister said this while visiting the ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation here on Sunday.

During the minister’s visit, 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 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.

The institute’s Human Resource Development head Charan Singh, Plant Science division head JMS Tomar and others were also present on the occasion.

Chouhan assures release of funds for fencing farms

DEHRADUN: Union Agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the first instalment of the funds assured for fencing farms in the State will be provided to the State within three days. He said this while responding to State Agriculture minister Ganesh Joshi’s request. Meeting him at the Dehradun airport on Sunday, Joshi said that during the farmer interaction held at Gauchar in Chamoli last month, a sum of Rs 90 crore was announced for the fencing scheme in the State. He requested the Union minister to ensure the early release of the funds so that the farmers can benefit from it without delay.

Chouhan assured Joshi that the first instalment of Rs 25 crore will be provided to the State within three days. Thanking the minister for this, Joshi also invited him to offer his prayers at Badrinath and Kedarnath during the coming Char Dham Yatra.