THRISSUR: The director of Water Technology Centre (Eastern Region), B. K. James, and the additional director general of Irrigation Water Management, D. K. Paul, have said that the All-India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) of the Indian Council for Agriculture Research should be subjected to close scrutiny.

Addressing a gathering of scientists and workshop on water management, organised by the Kerala Agricultural University, Agronomic Research Station and the Indian Council for Agriculture Research here on Tuesday, Mr. James called for an appraisal of the utility and methodology of the research projects.

"As many as 89 projects have been launched, including those on crop sciences (36), horticulture (14), animal husbandry (15) and education (1). Multidisciplinary research, promotion of location-specific methods and development of technology are the objectives.

The projects will be useful only when the technology is transferred to the common man,'' Mr. James said.

Vacant posts

He demanded that vacant posts in universities related to the research projects should be filled.

Mr. Paul said that most of the research projects in the country centred on advancement of technology. "The technology, however, should benefit the common man.''

He said the current use of water resources for agriculture was ineffective and unscientific. "Agriculture uses up 85 per cent of the country's water resources. Effective water management involves careful selection of crop systems, soil management and meticulous irrigation schedules.''

Presiding over the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, K. V. Peter, said that water management was one of the key issues to be addressed by the nation.

"Today, wars are being fought for oil. Tomorrow, nations may battle for water. India gets 3,000 mm rainwater (260 rainy days) every year. Of this, only 10 per cent is being used.

The rest goes to sea. Topographical features contribute to the loss of water. India enjoys only 4 per cent of earth's water resources. Our water table has gone down steadily. The issue needs to be addressed,'' Prof. Peter said.

Scientists from 25 centres in 18 States are taking part in the four-day programme.

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