New Delhi, May 2 (HS): Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is actively holding marathon meetings to advance agriculture and rural development. On Friday, he reviewed the Rural Development and Land Resources Department plans at Agriculture Bhawan, where he stressed the importance of utilizing modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things in watershed development programs. Chouhan proposed the creation of a decision support system grounded in soil and moisture conservation data to guide village communities and farmers effectively.

During the discussions, he evaluated the Digital India Land Record Modernization Program (DILRMP) and the Naksha program for urban land surveys. The DILRMP has reportedly computerized 99 percent of land rights records, with approximately 97 percent of land maps and 95 percent of sub-registrar offices digitized. Chouhan commended this progress and urged for an intensified public campaign to raise awareness of these initiatives. The Naksha program is already operational in 152 urban local bodies across 29 states and union territories, with aerial surveys completed in 61.

Chouhan emphasized that watershed development projects under the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme (WDC-PMKSY) should incorporate public participation and involve various stakeholders. He suggested that spring shed development in hilly areas would support water supply during dry periods, ultimately aiding river systems and benefiting lowland populations. Also discussed were strategies for effective convergence with other schemes like MGNREGA and RKVY to bolster watershed initiatives.

The meeting also highlighted the success of Mission Amrit Sarovar, which surpassed its target by creating over 68,000 ponds nationwide, focusing on water conservation and sustainable development through extensive public involvement. Approximately 80,000 panchayat representatives and over 65,000 user groups have actively taken part in this initiative.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar