In a concerted effort to combat the growing challenges of soil degradation and water scarcity, a two-day orientation on Soil and Water Conservation was organised under the SAFBIN (BIP) programme on April 10 and 11 at Manav Vikas Seva Sangh (MVSS), Sagar. The training aimed to enhance the technical capabilities of partner organisations in implementing sustainable conservation practices, especially in drought-prone regions like Bundelkhand.

Eight staff members from SAFBIN partner organisations participated in the event, which combined theoretical instruction with practical field application. The training was led by Dr. Mukund Deshmukh, Assistant Program Lead for SAFBIN, and focused on low-cost conservation techniques that smallholder farmers could effectively adopt to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Participants were introduced to key concepts, including watershed management, the design and placement of conservation structures, and the preparation of the 2025–26 Kharif Season Plan. Specific techniques discussed included vegetative barriers, live gully plugs, sack bag dams, water absorption trenches, soak pits, and contour trenches. The orientation also covered how to identify suitable locations for these structures, conduct feasibility studies, and integrate these measures into broader community planning.

A significant component of the training was the hands-on field demonstration conducted in Chakeri village. Here, participants engaged in mapping village resources and collaborated with local farmers to assess the feasibility of constructing conservation structures. A joint site visit helped identify potential watershed zones and design layouts for interventions, such as farm bunds and stone bunds. This practical experience deepened the participants’ technical understanding and prepared them for real-world application in their regions.

Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of MVSS, inaugurated the session and highlighted the relevance of the training. “This orientation is vital for empowering grassroots stakeholders. In regions where water for drinking, livestock, and agriculture is increasingly scarce, such initiatives help communities take charge of their future,” he said.

Dr. Deshmukh emphasised the urgency of adopting conservation measures. “Unsustainable land use has led to deforestation, soil erosion, and reduced fertility, threatening food security. Our approach focuses on restoring soil health and water availability using community-based, cost-effective methods,” he shared.

In addition to conservation techniques, the training also addressed planning for community-managed nurseries, trial plots for On-Farm Adaptive Research (OFAR), and reviewed current budget utilisation. These efforts ensure that resource allocation is aligned with program objectives and local needs.

Participants appreciated the comprehensive approach of the orientation. “The mix of classroom and field training helped us understand both the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of conservation,” shared one attendee.

The orientation concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Praduman of the Madhya Pradesh Social Service Society (MPSSS), acknowledging the commitment of Caritas India and SAFBIN to grassroots empowerment and sustainable development.

This training is expected to create a ripple effect, enabling partner staff to initiate similar conservation efforts in their respective areas and strengthen local capacity to respond to environmental challenges and safeguard livelihoods through sustainable farming practices.