ICAR- IISWC, Research Centre, Koraput organized one day orientation programme on “Socio-economic data collection and screening of social and environmental risk” for the secretaries of REWARD watersheds of Boipariguda Cluster-I & II at conference hall of ATMA office, Boipariguda on 3rd May 2023. During the programme Dr. Hombegowda H. C., Head briefed the importance of soil and water conservation for agricultural productivity and sustainable crop production. The programme coordinator Dr. S.M. Vanitha Sr. Sci. (Agri. Econ.), ICAR-IISWC, RC, Udhagamandalam briefed about the base line survey, method of primary data collection and digitization of socio-economic data.

During the programme the finalized schedule was briefed for the collection of data on base line survey of socio-economic condition, cropping pattern and existing SWC measures prevailing in the watershed villages. Dr. Vanitha also demonstrated the digitization process of collected data to the watershed secretaries of the REWARD watershed. A field visit was organized in the REWARD watershed village and discussed with the farmers regarding the present status of soil and water availability for cropping in the village. Dr P. Raja, briefed about the productivity assessment during the data collection process. Sh. G.W. Barla, STO assisted the scientists in translating the final schedule in local language. A total of 40 participants were attended the orientation programme. The purpose of the orientation programme is to have detailed discussion/deliberation on different indicators to be included under baseline survey for collecting the primary data from the farmers for ex-ante impact analysis in the selected villages of the watersheds. Accordingly, the data collection schedule was finalized and explained to the participants for further collecting the data from the farmers.