Bengaluru, November 26(Karnataka News):
Global experts, researchers and scientists to exchange knowledge and experience related to climate change, land degradation and sustainable watershed management Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy called for decisions to be taken that would benefit farmers and agricultural development by bringing them together on a single platform.
The three-day event, which integrates watershed resilience, science, sustainability and society, was organized in collaboration with the Department of Watershed Development, the Union Department of Land Resources, the World Bank and the Bangalore Agricultural University.
Speaking at the inauguration of the international conference on watershed development, Agriculture Minister Chaluvarayaswamy said that Karnataka has been at the forefront of watershed development for the last four decades. He appreciated the LRI-based watershed development being carried out under the World Bank’s KWINCA program, which has boosted the state’s resilience.
Nitin Kade, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Government of India, said that the two pillars of successful watershed development are technical capacity and strong governance.
He said that the REWARD program will provide the technical strength needed to expand the PMKSY program nationwide. He said that there is a need to emphasize development by strengthening local communities and institutions.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Chief Agricultural Specialist Andrew Woodland expressed his appreciation for the effective implementation of the KVIC program in Karnataka and said that Karnataka is a model for other states.
Representatives from many countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, Canada, Nairobi, and France, participated in the conference.Also present were the Chief Executive Officers and Directors of the Nodal Agencies of Watershed Development Programmes of 24 states of the country, and senior officials of the Karnataka Water Conservation and Agriculture Department. Bangalore Agricultural University Chancellor Dr. Suresh and other dignitaries participated.
