A delegation of senior officials from the Karnataka Government’s Watershed Development Department, led by Commissioner Mr Upendra Pratap Singh (IFS) and Director Dr Parvez Banthnal, visited Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district to study ICRISAT’s water conservation initiatives on 11 September 2025. The visit aimed to assess the potential for replicating the successful model in Karnataka’s drought-prone regions.
Guided by Dr Ramesh Singh, Principal Scientist – Landscape Resource Conservation, ICRISAT, the team explored key project sites in the Tahrauli block. They examined a community pond in Nota village and a traditional ‘Haveli’ rainwater harvesting structure in Bhadohkar village. The officials focused on understanding the application of scientific tools like the Land Resource Inventory (LRI) and water-saving techniques that have successfully rejuvenated groundwater and brought fallow land under cultivation.
Interactions with local farmers, Farmer Producer Organization members, and district officials provided firsthand accounts of how ICRISAT’s science-based water management has increased crop productivity and income. The delegation also visited Sutta-Singar village to witness long-term impacts. They commended ICRISAT for its holistic approach, which effectively combines technical innovation with strong community mobilization for sustainable rural development.
