Agricultural Land and Water Resources Management Department

Head: Director of Agricultural Land and Water Resources Management

Role and Responsibilities:

1. Sustainable Land Management: The Agricultural Land and Water Resources Management Department is dedicated to promoting sustainable management practices for agricultural land. It develops and implements policies, guidelines, and best practices that aim to conserve soil fertility, prevent land degradation, and enhance the long-term productivity and resilience of agricultural landscapes.
2. Water Resources Conservation: Recognizing the critical role of water in agriculture, the department focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of water resources. It oversees the development and implementation of irrigation schemes, water harvesting techniques, and water-saving technologies to optimize water use efficiency and ensure equitable access to water for agricultural purposes.
3. Natural Ecosystems Protection: The department places a strong emphasis on the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and biodiversity-rich areas within agricultural landscapes. It promotes conservation practices that maintain ecological balance, support biodiversity, and enhance the ecosystem services that are vital for sustainable agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
4. Land Use Planning and Regulation: The department is responsible for land use planning, zoning, and regulation in agricultural areas. It establishes land use policies, delineates agricultural zones, and regulates land-use activities to minimize conflicts, preserve prime agricultural land, and promote compatible land uses that align with sustainable development objectives.
5. Irrigation Management: The department oversees the planning, development, and management of irrigation systems in agricultural areas. It promotes the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies, facilitates water user associations, and implements water allocation and distribution mechanisms to optimize water use, reduce losses, and enhance crop yields.
6. Capacity Building and Training: To enhance the capacity of stakeholders involved in land and water management, the department organizes training programs, workshops, and demonstrations on sustainable land and water management practices. These capacity-building initiatives aim to empower farmers, water users, and local communities with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and implement sustainable management practices.
7. Research and Innovation: The department fosters research and innovation in the field of agricultural land and water management. It collaborates with research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to generate knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and pilot new technologies that can address the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable land and water management.
8. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: The Agricultural Land and Water Resources Management Department actively engages with a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. These collaborations facilitate knowledge exchange, promote collective action, and foster partnerships that are essential for the effective and sustainable management of agricultural land and water resources.