ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management (ICAR-IIWM), Bhubaneswar celebrated its 39th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and participation from scientists, farmers, government officials, research scholars, and staff members of the institute.

Prof. P.K. Raul, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. In his address, he expressed concern over the declining groundwater level in the country, including Odisha, and emphasized that the groundwater recharge technologies developed by ICAR-IIWM should be adopted on a large scale for greater public benefit.

Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture, Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA, highlighted the importance of rainwater harvesting and its integrated use for agri-horti crops along with pisciculture, which can significantly enhance farmers’ income.

The Guest of Honour, Er. B.P. Mishra, Chief Engineer, Department of Agriculture, Government of Odisha, stressed the need for adopting water-saving technologies developed by ICAR-IIWM to ensure future water security.

Earlier, Dr. A. Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM, welcomed the dignitaries and elaborated on the various technologies developed by the institute for different production ecologies. He informed that ICAR-IIWM is handholding farmers through cutting-edge technologies such as integrated sensing systems and canal automation.

On the occasion, eleven progressive farmers from different districts of Odisha were felicitated for their outstanding contributions. Best Employee Awards in different categories were also presented to institute staff members. Several technical bulletins published by the institute were released during the programme.

A scientists-farmers interaction meeting was organized in the afternoon, while a technology exhibition showcasing water-saving technologies developed by ICAR-IIWM attracted participants and visitors.

The celebrations concluded with a cultural programme organized by the staff members of the institute in the evening.

Directors and Heads of various ICAR institutes, state government officials, scientists, technical officers, administrative staff, research scholars, and farmers participated in the event.

The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. R.K. Panda, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIWM.