Kota
Background
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Govt. of India) established the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre (Formerly, Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute), Kota (Rajasthan), in October 1954, to conduct research on problems related to the Chambal river system's ravine lands. It is located on the right bank of the Chambal River, near the Kota Junction railway station. Throughout its sixty-Nine-year history, this premier institution has pioneered research and training programmes dedicated to the development and dissemination of appropriate technologies for the reclamation and productive utilization of ravines and adjacent marginal lands.
The Centre's specific target area has been 0.45 million ha located along the Chambal river system, out of the estimated 3.6 million ha of ravine lands in India. The Centre has developed and evaluated technological options for halting ravine extension and reclaiming ravine lands. It has also established itself as a premier training institution for soil and water conservation, agroforestry, and watershed management at various levels.
To keep up with the changing landscape, the Centre is pursuing new areas of research such as updating technology for assessing the status and extent of gully erosion, managing soil cracks in vertisols, water budgeting of land use systems, carbon budgeting of land use systems, evaluation of fruit and medicinal plants for ravines and degraded lands, management techniques for reducing gestation period and efficient resource utilization in non-arable lands, climate change, Conservation agriculture and vulnerability analysis, for livelihood support system. Accordingly the mandates of Centre are
Mandate
- Appraisal of ravine problems and conservation of land and water resources along the river system (Chambal)
- Evaluation of hydrology and management for reducing sediment discharge and improving water regime and productivity in ravine lands.
- Evaluation and identification of suitable plant materials for different land uses in ravine lands according to land capability.
SCIENTISTS
Infrastructure
The centre is equipped with modern infrastructural facilities required for conducting applied research and organizing training programmes in line with the mandate of the Centre.
Research Laboratory
A.A.S (Atomic absorption spectrophotometer), Thermo (M Series)
Aluminum, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Molybdenum lamps available for analysis
The laboratory of the centre is equipped with modern instruments and equipments for soil physical and chemical analysis, plant chemical analysis, biometric monitoring of crops and trees, monitoring soil plant - water relationship. Major equipments are Soil moisture probe, Portable photosynthetic system, Canopy analyser, Gulph permiameter, Penetrometer, Leaf area meter, PAR meter, Water potential meter, Tensiometers, Spectrophotometer, Flame photometer, Kjeltech automatic nitrogen analyzer, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer etc. and other facilities for soil/plant/ runoff/ sediment analysis.
Library
There is a specialized collection of books journals relevant to centres mandate. The library has collection of more than 2600 books apart from bound volumes of Indian journals and scores of bulletins, reports and maps. The library subscribes to 34 Indian journals. Scientists, students of other sister government organizations /universities and professionals of NGOs working in the field of soil and water conservation, agroforestry and watershed management also frequently avail the library facilities at the centre.
Computers Net work & Reprographic facilities
There are adequate numbers of computers for the scientists and office staff. The centre is equipped with one server and work station, Geographic information system, scanners, laser and deskjet printers etc. All scientists are equipped with computers and accessories. These computers are connected through LAN and have Internet facilities through V Sat.
Cartography & survey laboratory
The centre has well developed cartography facilities with modern equipments to cater to the needs of various research and training programmes. The centre has most sophisticated survey equipments like differential GPS, Total survey station, GIS software, automatic depth logger, digital planimeter and other modern survey equipments.
Audiovisual Aids
The centre is well equipped with all kinds of audiovisual facilities to cater to the needs of training and extension programmes. The centre has two slide projectors, one overhead projector, one LCD multimedia system, and PA system. The centre also has advanced digital imaging and image processing equipments and software.
Comman Equipment's
Flame photometer (Systronics 128)
K, Na and Ca content in soil, water and plant sample
Respirable Dust Sampler
To estimate, PM10, SPM, SOx and NOX
UV-VIS Spectrophotometer (Systronics UV-VIS 117)
Phosphorus and sulfur content in soil, water and plant sample and soil enzymatic activity etc
Kelplus + Electronic Titrater (Pelican Equipment) (Classic DX)
Total nitrogen, available nitrogen (NH4 and NO3) content in soil water and plant sample
Research
Institute Project
| Sl. No. | Title | Duration | PI | Co PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assessment of variability and trend of climatic parameters at various time scales in different regions of India (Core Project) (NEW PROJECT) | 2022-23 to 2027-28 | Shakir Ali | – |
| 2 | Erosion productivity relationships for evaluating vulnerability and resiliency of soils under different agro-climatic regions of India. (NRMACSWCRTI CIL200800100014) (Core Project) | 2009-10 to 2024-25 | Kuldeep Kumar | Gulshan Kr. Sharma & G.L. Meena |
| 3 | Carbon sequestration potential of prevailing and recommended land uses in reclaimed degraded ecosystems under different agro-ecological regions of India. (NRMAIISWCCIL 201900300162) (Core Project) | 2019-20 to 2023-24 | Mr. G.L. Meena | Shakir Ali, S Kala, & Ram A Jat, Ashok Kumar |
| 4 | Sustaining crop productivity and enhancing resource use efficiency through soil surface management and diverse cropping systems in semi-arid region of south-eastern Rajasthan. (NRMAIISWCCIL 202000200172) | 2020-21 to 2024-25 | Anita Kumawat | Kuldeep Kumar, I. Rashmi, & Shakir Ali, Ashok Kumar |
| 5 | Evaluating different tillage and residue management practices under supplementary irrigation in black gram, mustard cropping system. (NRMAIISWCCIL 202100400188) | 2021-22 to 2025-26 | Ram A. Jat | I. Rashmi, Shakir Ali, & Ashok Kumar, Gulshan Kr. Sharma |
| 6 | Effect of Natural Farming Practices on Resource Conservation and Productivity in different Agro Ecological Regions of India (CORE PROJECT, NEW PROJECT) | 2022-23 to 2026-27 | Ram A Jat | I. Rashmi, G. L. Meena, & Ashok Kumar, G. Kr. Sharma |
| 7 | Evaluation, characterization and selection of elite genotypes of Cassia auriculata for cultivation in semi- arid regions. (NRMAIISWCCIL 201600600120) | 2016-17 to 2022-23 | S. Kala | H.R. Meena, I. Rashmi |
| 8 | Evaluation of agri-horticulture land use systems for degraded ecosystem of South-Eastern Rajasthan. (NRMAIISWCCIL 201900800167) | 2019-20 to 2025-26 | H.R. Meena | Shakir Ali, Ashok Kumar, & Kuldeep Kumar, I. Rashmi |
| 9 | Ecological restoration of stone mine spoil area in South-Eastern Rajasthan. (NRMAIISWCCIL 201502300109) | 2015-16 to 2024-25 | S. Kala | H.R. Meena, I.Rashmi, Shakir Ali, & Ashok Kumar, Gulshan Kumar |
| 10 | Impact assessment of Kota stone mine spoil on land use and cover changes and Environment. (NRMAIISWCCIL 202100300187) | 2021-22 to 2023-24 | Gulshan Kr. Sharma | G. L. Meena, Shakir Ali, & Kuldeep Kumar, Ashok Kumar |
| 11 | Women empowerment through watershed development programmes in different agro-ecological regions of India NRMAIISWCCOL 202100700191 (Inter-institutional Collaboration with ICAR-CIWA, BBSR) | 2021-22 to 2023-24 | Gulshan Kr. Sharma | – |
| 12 | Valuation of ecosystem services from natural resource conservation and management interventions in different agro-ecological regions in India. (NRMAIISWCCIL201801000158) (Core Project) | 2018-19 | Ashok Kumar | I. Rashmi, Kuldeep Kumar, & S. Kala G. L. Meena |
Externally Funded Projects
| Sl. No. | Title | Funding agency | Duration | PI, Co PI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enhancing food and water security in arid region through improved understanding of quantity, quality and management of blue, green and grey water. (NRMAIISWCSOP 201901000169) | DST funded collaborative/Network Project | 2018-19 to 2022-23 | Shakir Ali |
| 2 | Developing vegetation based technology for dust and erosion control along the National Highways A collaborative project work with NHAI, New Delhi (NEW PROJECT) | National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) | 2022-23 to 2023-24 | Gulshan Sharma |
| 3 | Network project “Production systems, agribusiness and institutions” Component1: “Impact of agricultural Technology: Impact of watershed management in different agro-ecological regions. | – | 2021-22 to 2024-25 | Ashok Kumar |
| 4 | Demonstration of Agriculture Drone technology in different region of India under Agri-Drone Project (NEW PROJECT) | ICAR-ATARI-Ludhiana funded | 2022-23 to 2023-24 | Ram A. Jat |
Training
The centre has excellent faculty and infrastructure for conducting regular and short duration courses in the field of soil and water conservation, agroforestry and watershed management.
Multidisciplinary Faculty
The centre has highly specialized and experienced multidisciplinary team of scientists to serve as faculty for specialized training programmes. At present faculty from Soil Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Soil and water conservation engineering and agricultural economics are in position at the centre. Faculty from other sister organizations also participate in training activities. The faculty members include scientists having 10 years to 25 years experience in field of natural resources management.
Training Hostel and lecture hall
The centre has a well furnished training hostel and guest house to accommodate 40 persons. There is a lecture hall and a committee room to conduct in house training activities.
Training Module
- Five days skill development training on 'Management Techniques of Arable Lands'
- Five days skill development training on 'Management Techniques of Non-arable Lands'
- Regular training courses (24 weeks) on "Watershed Management" for the officers and graduate assistants deputed by state govt.
- Special project (2 weeks) on Management of Ravine Watersheds
- The centre organizes short courses (1-2 weeks) and tailor made training programmes in the field of soil and water conservation, agroforestry and watershed management for the trainees deputed from govt. organizations, NGOs and other organizations from time to time as per the requirements of clients.
- Orientation courses (2-3 days) for professionals deputed by different government and non- governmental organizations.
- Farmer's training (1-3 days) for farmers, field functionaries and watershed committee members.
- Summer practical training (4 weeks) for undergraduate (B. Tech.) students deputed from various state agricultural univ. of the country.
- Exposure visits (5-7 days) for watershed functionaries.
Outreach Programme
Various extension activities are conducted for improving awareness and adoption of technologies related to soil and water conservation, agroforestry, rainfed agriculture and watershed management among the farmers of the region. These include: developing model watersheds, field demonstrations under 'TOT' and FPARP programs, Farmers Day, Farm Innovator's Day, Interface workshops with line dept. & NGOs
Research Farm
The Centre has 155 acres of land, for conducting field studies. The research farm comprising of 85 acres table land and remaining 70 acres of ravine lands represent very well typical Chambal ravine system and adjoining marginal lands. The Centre has facilities to conduct research and demonstration on rainfed farming and agroforestry systems.
It has standard-sized and field-sized runoff plots.
The ravine area is divided into micro catchment and the outlets are equipped with runoff and soil loss gauging devices. Various land use options are being imposed on the table lands and ravines.
Collaboration
Collaborations/Linkages
| Agriculture University, Kota | Planning research agenda for the region and faculty exchange |
| Career Point University, Kota | Planning research agenda for the region and faculty exchange |
| National Rainfed area Authority (NRAA) | Training of watershed functionaries |
| CAZRI | Collaborative research programme |
| Watershed department, Govt. of Rajasthan | State policy decisions, Monitoring and evaluation of watershed projects, Training of watershed functionaries |
| NBSSLUP | Collaborative research programme |
| IIT, Roorke | Linkage for consultancy |
| Directorate of Watershed Development, Govt. of Rajasthan | State policy decisions, Monitoring and evaluation of watershed projects, Training of watershed functionaries |
| Agriculture Department, Govt. of Rajasthan | District level policy making and technology dissemination |
| KVK, Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran | Faculty exchange for training programmes and technology dissemination |
| Irrigation Management and Training Institute (IMTI) Kota | Training and research collaboration |
Consultancy
The centre has expertise for consultancy in the field of:
- Watershed development planning and management
- Monitoring and impact evaluation of watershed programmes
- Watershed hydrology and water resource development
- Hydrological monitoring and drainage line treatment
- Ravine reclamation and eco-restoration of ravines.
