Almora. An orientation workshop/meeting on the Climate-Resilient Rainfed Agriculture Project was organized in the Collectorate Auditorium, Almora, under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Alok Kumar Pandey. The workshop was conducted under the aegis of the Deputy Director, Watershed Management, Almora.
The primary objective of the workshop was to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices in rainfed areas, in view of the challenges posed by climate change. The project focuses on increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing farmers’ income, and conserving natural resources.
In his address, DM Pandey stressed that adopting a scientific approach in traditional farming has become a necessity in the face of changing climate patterns. He directed departmental officials to implement the project’s objectives effectively on the ground so that the maximum number of farmers could benefit.
Deputy Director, Watershed Management, Ajay Kumar, provided a detailed overview of the project. He highlighted its objectives, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting science-based watershed development, encouraging agri-entrepreneurship, increasing crop productivity, and tree plantation for carbon credit benefits.
He informed that the project is being implemented in three development blocks of Almora district—Hawalbagh, Dwarahat, and Tarikhet—covering 93 gram panchayats. Three units have been established under the project in Majkhali, Pilkholi, and Tarikhet.
During the meeting, discussions were held on project activities such as enhancing water flow, soil conservation, improving productivity of rainfed and irrigated crops, carbon sequestration through plantation, and setting up agri-business centers.
Following the workshop, the District Level Committee meeting of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (Watershed Development Component 2.0) was also held, during which the DM reviewed various activities and gave necessary directions. In addition, the meeting of the Springshed and River Rejuvenation Agency (SARA) discussed issues related to river rejuvenation and water conservation.
On this occasion, Chief Development Officer Ramji Sharan Sharma, along with officials from the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Watershed, Forest, and Rural Development, as well as other stakeholders, were present.
