By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 4 Dec: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun, celebrated Agricultural Education Day with engaging and interactive activities for students of Government Higher Secondary School, Smalta, in the Kalsi block of Chakrata Hills, Dehradun. Organised under the institute’s Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) initiative, the programme aimed to educate and inspire students about the importance of agriculture and its allied fields.
In his inaugural address, Dr M Madhu, Director, IISWC, highlighted the institute’s role in natural resource management and linked it to the significance of agricultural education. He urged students to actively interact with teachers and scientists to gain insights into soil and water conservation.
Dr M. Muruganandam, TSP and SCSP Coordinator (HQ), welcomed the participants and elaborated on the TSP programmes designed to benefit tribal farmers and students across India. Drawing references from STEM and STEAM education, he emphasised the growing importance of agricultural innovation and informed students about career opportunities in this field.
Dr Raman Jeet Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) and TSP leader, discussed the relevance of Agricultural Education Day and encouraged students to consider agriculture as a subject for higher studies.
The programme also featured specialised presentations by subject experts. Dr Charan Singh, Head of the Division of Human Resource Development and Social Sciences, spoke about the history and significance of agricultural education and its various branches. Dr JMS Tomar, Head of the Division of Plant Sciences, highlighted forestry and horticulture as business opportunities for hilly regions, while Dr Ambrish Kumar, Principal Scientist (SWCE), introduced students to the use of agricultural drones in modern farming.
To enhance practical understanding, 36 students from grades 9 and 10 visited the institute’s museum, where Dr Abimanyu Jhajhria, Scientist (Senior Scale, Agricultural Economics), explained soil and water conservation techniques. Students also learned about soil testing procedures at the institute’s Central Soil Testing Laboratory, guided by Dr Trisha Roy (Scientist, Senior Scale, Soils), Sarita Gupta (CTO), and Hanna Pamei (Technician).
Jagat Ram Dobhal, Principal of the school, motivated the students by emphasising the value of educational tours and expressed gratitude to IISWC for organising the event. The programme witnessed active participation from around 50 attendees, including students, teachers, school staff, and IISWC officials. School board members Anil Tomar and Prem Singh Chauhan were also present. At the end, students shared their practical learning experience at the Institute
The programme concluded with the distribution of school uniform kits to all student participants. Dr Raman Jeet Singh summarised the event and expressed appreciation to all contributors for their efforts in making the program a success.
