In a collaborative effort to address water security and promote sustainable agricultural livelihoods, stakeholders convened at the DHAN Foundation Central Office for a workshop on "Water Security and Agriculture Livelihood Enhancement." Distinguished guests, including Dr. B.J. Pandian and Dr. A. Gurusamy, along with representatives from DHAN Foundation and partner organizations, participated in insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions.
The workshop commenced with a value reflection session, followed by the lighting of the lamp ceremony, symbolizing the enlightenment and unity of purpose among participants. Ms. K. Shanthi, Chief Executive Officer of Jeevidam Limited, delivered the welcome address, setting the stage for discussions on the workshop's objectives and outcomes.
Key presentations were delivered by Mr. M. Palanisamy, Chief Operating Officer of DHAN Foundation, who provided valuable insights into rainfall patterns, water storage statistics, and practical interventions for water security and productivity enhancement in agriculture. Dr. B.J. Pandian, Principal of Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, highlighted the historical significance of Tankfed Agriculture in Tamil Nadu and emphasized the importance of crop diversification and sustainable farming practices.
Dr. A. Gurusamy Retired Agronomy Professor TNAU Madurai, shared his expertise on water management strategies and the implementation of drip irrigation systems, stressing the need for localized knowledge transfer and capacity building initiatives. Experience sharing sessions, led by regional coordinators and stakeholders, provided valuable insights into productivity enhancement initiatives and community-driven conservation efforts.
Sub-group discussions yielded actionable declarations, including the promotion of micro-irrigation systems, preservation of traditional seeds, and the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices. Ms. K. Shanthi, in her closing remarks, reiterated the importance of sustainability, knowledge dissemination, and community engagement in achieving water security and agricultural livelihood enhancement goals.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from participants to implement the identified strategies and collaborate towards a more water-secure and resilient agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu.
Key Insights :
Water Management Strategies : Insights shared by experts underscored the importance of adopting micro and precision irrigation systems to optimize water usage in agriculture. Community participation and awareness-building initiatives are crucial for the successful implementation of these strategies.
Traditional Wisdom and Modern Innovation : The workshop highlighted the synergy between traditional agricultural practices and modern innovations. Practical interventions, such as crop rotation and timely sowing, rooted in traditional wisdom, were advocated alongside the adoption of innovative technologies like drip irrigation.
Community Engagement : A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the centrality of community engagement in sustainable water management and agriculture. Participants emphasized the need for collaborative efforts involving farmers, local communities, and relevant stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
Climate-Smart Agriculture : The significance of climate-smart agriculture practices in mitigating the impact of environmental challenges was emphasized. Strategies such as crop diversification, soil and water quality analysis, and water budgeting emerged as key components of sustainable agricultural practices.
Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building : The workshop underscored the importance of localized knowledge transfer and capacity building initiatives. Practical insights shared by experts, coupled with sub-group discussions and experience sharing sessions, facilitated peer learning and skill development among participants.
Declaration derived from Workshop :
