WALMI's role in water management appreciated

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Mar 27 (UNI) Appreciating the role played by the Water and Land Management Insititute (WALMI) in the field of water management, Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Ajit Pawar today advised the institute to enhance its exposure to the training and awareness to cater the requirements of the farmers.

Addressing the silver jubilee function of the WALMI here today, Mr Pawar said that farming community had witnessed a transformation in the last 25 years since the foundation of WALMI as their farming system too has changed. He asked the institute to undertake changes in its structure to cater to the needs of farmers according to the present situation.

According to him, such farmer friendly efforts by the WALMI are needed, when the state government was considering crop loans at the lower rate of 6 per cent.

Mr Pawar assured every support from the state government towards strengthening of institute like WALMI.

The Minister informed that the State Government in association with the World Bank is engaged in implementing a Rs 1800-crore ambitious water project in the state. The Government has also initiated bench marking and water audit, he said while suggesting regular publication of their reviews.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Balasaheb Thorat in his address said that much work could be achieved with the help of WALMI in the area of watershed development programmes and water usage.

According to him, the farmers in the state are in trouble due to unproductive land and lack of rainfall and asked the WALMI to undertake research on theses aspects.

Instead of working as a support institute, the organisation should work as a 'Mother' institute in these areas, he suggested.

Mr Thorat lauded the institute's role in spreading awareness among the people on the importance of water, and said it was necessary to have equitable distribution of available water among the people.

Director General of the WALMI J L Damani, State Secretary Water Resources Ministery M K Kulkarni and Eminent Water Expert Madhavrao Chitale were present on the occasion.

UNI MPJ MAZ SKB2029