ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneswar has celebrated its 39th Foundation Day on 12th May 2026. Inaugurating the event as Chief Guest, Prof. Pravat Kumar Raul, the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, OUAT, Bhubaneswar told that decline of groundwater level in the country including Odisha is a great challenge for all of us. Prof Raul also mentioned that water is the prime factor in deciding on the balanced use of fertilizer. He expressed that technology developed for groundwater recharge and canal automation by ICAR-IIWM should be adopted for large scale benefit. Dr. P.K. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-CIFA delivered the Foundation Day lecture and told that rainwater harvesting and its use for Agri-Horti crops along with pisciculture in harvested water under IFS module can enhance farmers’ income. The Guest of Honour, Er. B.P. Mishra, Chief Engineer, Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Odisha in his address emphasized the need of adoption of water saving technologies developed by ICAR-IIWM for ensuring future water security. Earlier, Dr. A. Sarangi, Director, ICAR-IIWM welcomed the guests and described various technologies developed by scientists for different production ecologies. Dr Sarangi mentioned that ICAR-IIWM is handholding the farmers on cutting edge technologies such as integrated sensing system and canal automation, groundwater recharge and ecosystem services etc. Eleven progressive farmers from different districts of Odisha, were felicitated. For outstanding contribution, best employee of the Institute award were given in different categories. Seven publications including, policy brief, technical bulletins, news letter, success stories, project completion published by the Institute were released on this occasion. Dr. R.K. Panda, Principal Scientist of the Institute proposed a vote of thanks. Scientists-farmer interaction meeting was organized in the afternoon. Technology exhibition was also held in the campus to showcase water saving technologies developed by ICAR-IIWM besides visit to the technology park of the Institute. In the evening, one cultural programme “Jaltarang” was organized by the staff members of the institute. Director/Heads of ICAR Institutes, State government officials, scientists, technical officers, administrative staffs, research scholars and farmers in tune of about 285 numbers participated in the event.
