Rangat, Feb 02: ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (CIARI) North and Middle Andaman organized a three-days training programme on ‘Soil & Water Conservation methods for better crop productivity’ from 30th January to 1st February, 2017 for in-service candidates. The training was made successful by the active participation of 21 staff members from range forest office of Rangat Tahsil. The training was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, DFO, Rangat in the presence of Guests of honours- Shri. Keshab Kabiraj, Up-Pramukh, Rangat and Shri Satish Kumar Singh, Pradhan, Rangat. Dr. B. L. Kasinath, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimbudera. D. F. O. Rangat, in his inaugural speech, highlighted the importance of soil and water conservation, without which it would be impossible to sustain our livelihood on this earth. Dr. B.L. Kasinath elaborated the importance of soil and water conservation in the context of fragile ecosystems of our islands and explained the soil formation process.
In the beginning, Er. Manoj Kumar, SMS (Agril. Engg.) briefed about the objectives of this training programme and informed that thousands of tonnes of fertile soil was being washed away every year by rain water mediated erosion and that its conservation through community participation was our prime responsibility. He also emphasized on combined use of Biological and Engineering methods such as mulching, bunding, bench terracing and trenching for effective conservation of these vital natural resources. Further, he also indicated the importance of micro-irrigation systems for increasing the productivity and conserving water in the islands. Dr. Shailesh Kumar, SMS (Fisheries) emphasized the need of conservation of useful soil microorganism and soil inhabiting insects, which perform an important role in the maintenance of soil fertility. Mulching is an important way of moisture conservation in perennial plantation crops and relevant in the island ecosystem, which was emphasized by Shri D. Basantia, SMS (Horticulture). Dr. Shardul Lal, SMS (Animal Science) suggested use of various techniques of water conservation in livestock production system. Shri. Batti Lal Meena, SMS, (Agronomy) made the programme live by showing a film on soil and water conservation. Dr. Pooja Kapoor, SMS (Home Science), enlighted the importance of balanced diet, exercise and good health habits for improving the nutritional status of the staff of the forest department.
In the programme DFO, Rangat suggested adopting integrated forest management approach for attaining sustainability. He said that all the components need convergence and integration. He also appreciated the efforts of the KVK and ICAR- CIARI, Port Blair in conducting training programme. The training was organized by Er. Manoj Kumar under the supervision of Dr. B. L. Kasinath and guidance of Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, ICAR- CIARI, Port Blair.
