The Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC) aims to foster sustainable resource management by inaugurating a specialised training course tailored for Indian Forest Service (IFS) Probationers. The training program, focused on Soil-Water Conservation and Watershed Management, commenced at the prestigious Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA) in Dehradun on February 12, 2024.
Sustainable Resource Management: Need of the Hour
Dr M Madhu, Director of ICAR-IISWC, underscored the importance of soil-water conservation in ensuring national productivity, safeguarding livelihoods, and bolstering food security during his inaugural address. He urged participants to capitalise on the wealth of knowledge offered by expert resource persons.
Dr Jagmohan Sharma, Director of IGNFA, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the role of soil and water resources in sustainable forestry practices. He encouraged active participation from the IFS Probationers, urging them to engage meaningfully with the training activities and expert facilitators.
Tailored Curriculum
Dr Charan Singh, Head of HRD and SS Division at ICAR-IISWC and course coordinator, shed light on the curriculum specially designed to meet the needs of IFS Probationers. The program encompasses a blend of indoor sessions and field demonstrations conducted by subject-matter experts and technical officers.
Key Learning Objectives
Dr M Muruganandam, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IISWC, delved into the thematic areas covered within the training program. He highlighted the pressing challenges in natural resource management and introduced participants to a spectrum of bio-engineering technologies, models, and systems pertinent to soil-water conservation. These include watershed prioritisation, erosion control measures, water harvesting techniques, land-use models, and integrated watershed management strategies.
The inaugural session witnessed the presence of Dr RK Singh, Head of H&E, alongside other dignitaries, underscoring the collaborative effort between ICAR-IISWC and IGNFA in facilitating this crucial training initiative.
Participant Engagement
A total of 120 IFS Probationers partook in the inaugural session, marking the beginning of an immersive learning journey aimed at equipping them with essential skills for sustainable forestry practices. The participants will undergo specialised training sessions at both IGNFA and ICAR-IISWC, ensuring comprehensive exposure to diverse aspects of soil-water conservation and watershed management.
