ICAR-IISWC, Research Centre, Ballari celebrated 70th Foundation Day of Institute on 7th April, 2023 at its Research Farm campus. During this programme, all the available Scientific, Technical, Administrative, Supporting and contractual staff of main office & Research Farm actively participated. A total of 40 local farmers including 10 women famers participated in the programme. Shri. Manjunath a progressive farmer from Sreedhargadda village was invited as chief guest and he highly appreciated the Centre’s various initiations for farmers’ interest in the region. Farmers expressed different agricultural problems faced by them and requested for possible solutions.

Dr. M. Prabhavathi, Sr. Sci (Soils) and Head of Centre addressed during the occasion, briefed the Centre’s achievements and explained about importance of soil, soil health card and adoption of natural faming for sustainable soil health and productivity. Dr. B.S.Naik, Sr. Scientist (SWCE) emphasized on soil and water conservation, micro irrigation, per drop more crop, growing of less water requiring crops in water scarcity and climate changing scenario. Sh. Ravi K.N, Scientist (Agri. Extension) expressed about the proper scientific cropping practices to be adopted by farmers in the region. Sh. B.N.Seshadri, STO, explained the need of more farmers’ participation to strengthen agriculture in the region. Women participant farmers together sang a local folk song based on difficulties faced by a farmer. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. B.S Naik, Sh. Ravi K.N, Sh. Gourav Bhati, T-1 and assisted by Sh. Abhishek Singh, T-1. At the end, formal vote of thanks was proposed by Sh. Ravi K.N, Scientist.