on

GIS based watershed planning in Agriculture

(Sponsored by ICAR, New Delhi)

02-12-2006 to 22-12-2006

Organised by:

Department of Soil Science and Agrl. Chemistry

COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE

Introduction

One of the future challenges of Indian agriculture lies in the effective utilization of rainwater, which our nation is gifted with in many parts. However, many rain surplus areas face acute water shortage in summer months adversely affecting agricultural production. Watershed based planning of agriculture is the key to solving many of these issues. In the judicious planning of watersheds there needs an integration of data from diversified spheres. Geographical Information System ( GIS) provides an effective framework for handling, storing, manipulation and easy retrieval of information. This helps in deriving more meaningful conclusions before the plan is implemented. The models developed for planning can be tested in a virtual environment to identify any possible hitches which may arise and which are beyond ordinary comprehension.

The winter school programme is designed to train the participants on the use of GIS for the rightful integration of different components for good water shed planning. The use of potential features of GIS in planning the watershed is also proposed. The specific objectives of programme are

Orientation on the concept of area-specific resource based planning at water shed level.
Introduction of the concept of GIS and its use as a tool for planning and implementation of agricultural research and development
Training on the collection and organization of data on special entities in a watershed and their various attributes.
Training on integration of data in different formats into a GIS environment and use of GIS as a watershed planning and monitoring tool.

Content

Concepts of GIS, Data base concepts, GIS Software’s, ARCINFO, ARC View, and other related software’s. Digitization of Maps, and data incorporation in GIS. Retrieval of data in meaningful ways. Presentation of reports. Delineating water sheds. Collection of data, organizing data to GIS formats. Storing of data. Basic concepts of watershed planning. Use of GIS data for preparation of development plans. Modification of the plans by group interactions. Resource based planning and prioritization and programme design.

Faculty

In addition to the faculty of Kerala Agricultural University, eminent resource persons from other institutions including private sectors will be invited to handle classes.

Eligibility

Winter school is open for Scientists and Faculty of ICAR and SAU’s not below the rank of Assistant Professor with basic knowledge of computers and with Master Degree in Agricultural Science / Forestry.
Preference will be given for Agronomists and Soil Scientists
They should preferably have doctorate in the relevant area and below 45 years of age
They should have a minimum of two years of teaching/research experience.

Registration

Interested participants should send their duly filled application (MS Word document, 39.5 KB) in the prescribed format through proper channel along with a registration fee of Rs. 50/- in the form of Indian Postal Order in favour of the Course Director, Winter School on GIS based watershed planning in Agriculture, payable at KAU P.O. 680 656. Advance copies may be submitted directly to the Course Director of the Winter School. Registration will begin at 9:30 am on 2 December 2006 and all the participants are requested to reach the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, KAU P.O., Thrissur - 680 656 for the same.

Dead lines

Receipt of application	05 - Nov. 2006
Intimation of selection	15 - Nov. 2006
Confirmation/intimation waitlisted candidate	20 - Nov. 2006

Venue

The course will be held at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala. The College of Horticulture is about 10 km from Thrissur city (Central Kerala), on the NH-47, towards Palakkad. Thrissur (Trichur) is well connected by rail and bus. The climate during December is pleasant with usually dry weather and a day temperature of 27-30⁰C.

Travel and Accommodation

The participants will be provided to and fro train fare limited to sleeper class by the shortest route. Accommodation for the participants will be arranged in the hostels of College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Local participants are entitled to local hospitality only.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Course Director
	Dr.K.C Marykutty, Director, Winter School on GIS, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, KAU P.O., Thrissur 680 656, Kerala
	Telephone		0487- 2370822 (Office) 0487 - 2371081 ( Res.)
	Fax		0487 - 2370019 (Office)
	Email		soilcoh@yahoo.co.in
Course Co-ordinators
	1	Dr. N.Saifudeen, Associate Professor and Head, Centre for Land Resources Research & Management, College of Horticulture, KAU P.O., Thrissur - 680 656, Kerala
		Telephone	0487-2371695 (Office) 0487-2375297 (Res.)
		Fax	0487-2370019 (Office)
		Email	saifudeen8@yahoo.com
	2	Dr. P.R.Suresh, Assistant Professor, Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, KAU P.O., Thrissur 680 656, Kerala
		Telephone	0487 - 2370822 (Office) 0487 - 2330061 (Res.) 09447181544 (mobile)
		Fax	0487 - 2370019 (Office)
		Email	drsuresh167@sancharnet.in