Passing out function of 124th batch of 4 - month “Certificate Course on Soil & Water Conservation & Watershed Management” was organized at ICAR – Indian Institute of Soil & Water Conservation, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun (Uttarakhand) on 7th February, 2023. It is one of the unique training programs in the country addressing the issues related to natural resource (soil, water and vegetation) management that mitigate the impact of climate change and helps to ensure livelihood, nutritional and environmental security in the country. The four month programme was organized from 8th October, 2022 to 7th February, 2023 at the Institute Hqrs., Dehradun. A total of 27 Officers representing four states (Punjab-13; Meghalaya-3; Chattisgarh-5; Jammu and Kashmir-4) and two Scientists from ICAR-IISWC participated in the programme of which two women Officer Trainees were there.ICAR-IISWC, RC, Koraput organized four days training cum field visit of Watershed Development Team members from Usoor Block, Bijapur District, Chhattisgarh under PMKSY – WDC 2.0, New Generation Watershed Development Programme (NGWDP) during 31st January to 03rd February, 2023. who are working in the project. Total 50 participants from Watershed Development Team members, progressive farmers and technical officials, tribal farmers were participated in the training programme. During inauguration programme, Dr. Jotirmayee Lenka, Scientist (Fruit Science) and Coordinator of the training programme welcomed all the dignitaries including watershed development team members and staff of the centre.

She highlighted the mandates of the research centre and ongoing activities of the centre. Dr. H. C. Hombe Gowda, Head and Training Director, interacted with the farmers and told about the problems like runoff, soil erosion and its impact on agricultural productivity in watershed. Dr. Ch. Jyotiprava Dash delivered the lecture on various soil and water conservation measures for effective watershed management Dr. Jotirmayee Lenka Scientist (Fruit Science) explained the different horticultural and agronomical interventions for soil and water conservation. Sh. G.W Barla delivered the lecture on participatory rural appraisal and data monitoring in watershed. Visit to meteorological observatory, soil lab, biofloc unit, research farm of the centre, KVK, coffee board, LPG and Kokriguda watershed was conducted. All the staff of the research centre participated and actively involved in the organization of the program. Dr. Jotirmayee Lenka, Scientist (Fruit Science) and Sh. G. W. Barla, STO, coordinated the training program.