Transform conservation efforts into people’s movement: Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan

my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Mar: Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, here, today.
In his address on the occasion, Chouhan emphasised 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, Vinay Ruhela, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management Department, Government of Uttarakhand; Dr Charan Singh, Head, Human Resource Development Division; Dr JMS Tomar, Head, Plant Science Division; Dr DV Singh, Head, Agronomy & Soil Science Division;  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 among those present.