Guwahati, Dec 21: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today called for better coordination among soil conservation, agricultural and irrigation department in the state.
Reviewing the functioning of Soil Conservation Department today, the Chief Minister asked the department to prepare a concept note highlighting the common interest and areas of activity of the three to ensure holistic agricultural growth in the state.
Sonowal also expressed concern over depletion of ground water-level in the state and directed the soil Conservation Department to popularise rain water harvesting.
He called for steps for retaining the water-level of Integrated Watershed Projects for judicious utilisation during the winter season and also to tap the potential of water bodies to develop farming in adjoining villages of the source.
“Soil is the fundamental basis of human survival. The soil conservation department should prepare a roadmap to fulfil its mandate and generate public interest and opinion in favour of the conservation initiatives,” he said.
Sonowal further said that agricultural land in many parts of the state remains unutilised due to its uneven topography.
“The soil conservation department should guide the farmers in scientific utilisation of soil and take measures for levelling of agricultural fields for turning the same into cultivable land,” he said and asked the department to procure Laser Land Leveller for improving agricultural growth.
The CM further underlined the importance of Micro Watershed Committees in mobilising the public for soil and water conservation and directed the department to convene meeting of all 1700 such committees to promote sharing of best conservation techniques among farmers.
