By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 24 Dec: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, organised a Kisan Diwas celebration at Echla-Fateu village, Kalsi Block, on Monday. The event was conducted under the Agri-Drone Project and the Institute’s Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Scheme to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, observed as Kisan Diwas.
Dr M Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and TSP Coordinator at ICAR-IISWC headquarters, addressed the farmers on the transformative role of drones in agriculture. He explained how drones can facilitate various agricultural operations, including large-scale application of inputs, even in remote and high-altitude regions, reducing labour and time significantly. Dr Muruganandam emphasised that, as technology advances and production scales increase, drones will become more accessible and cost-effective for farmers and agricultural cooperatives, enabling widespread adoption in rural and farming settings.
In line with the ongoing Swachhata Pakhwada, Dr Muruganandam highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness in homes, animal shelters, and the surrounding environment. He stressed that a clean and healthy environment helps prevent diseases, including zoonotic and reverse zoonotic infections, which can impact both human and animal health.
Dr M Sankar, Senior Scientist at IISWC, paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, emphasising the significance of adopting new technologies in agriculture. He elaborated on the potential of Agri-Drones and Survey Drones for enhancing farming practices and resource management. Additionally, Dr Sankar shared soil quality data for local farmlands, noting that the use of organic fertilisers by farmers in the region has maintained excellent soil health.
Dr Rama Pal, Senior Scientist at IISWC, discussed the importance of Kisan Diwas and emphasised the need to minimise single-use plastics to protect the environment and conserve natural water sources.
Progressive farmer and village Pradhan Chandan Singh Chauhan appreciated the drone demonstration and cleanliness initiatives, describing them as inspiring steps toward enhancing farm productivity and fostering a healthier environment.
The programme concluded with a live drone operation demonstration by Ravish Singh, Technical Assistant at IISWC. Approximately 75 farmers actively participated in the event, gaining hands-on exposure to drone technology and awareness of sustainable farming practices. The event was a resounding success, combining technology and sustainability to empower farmers while promoting environmental stewardship.
