OAR@ICRISATHarnessing New Science Tools through IWMP to Unlock Potential of Rain-fed AgricultureS PWaniauthorA V R KRaoauthorK KGargauthorSemi-Arid Tropics (SAT) are characterized by highly variable rainfall,poor soils, low yields and poor developmental infrastructure. Watershedmanagement is now an accepted strategy for development of rain-fed agriculture in these areas. New science tools like remote sensing,geographical information systems (GIS), water balance, simulationmodeling, information and communication technology (ICT) arecurrently being used very widely in irrigated and well-endowed areas.Importance of these tools in the SAT areas is now well understood andrecognized. Application of new science tools in rain-fed agricultureopens up new vistas for development through integrated watershedmanagement programs (IWMP). ICRISAT in partnership with nationalagricultural research systems and advanced research institutes inAsia has applied new science tools for enhancing the productivity ofrain-fed systems in the SAT through science-led development.The remarkable developments in space technology currently offerssatellites, which provide better spatial and spectral resolutions, morefrequent revisits, stereo viewing and on board recording capabilities.High spatial and temporal resolution satellite data could be effectivelyused for watershed management and monitoring activities at landownership level. Techniques are also successfully used for preparingdetailed thematic maps, watershed development plans and continuousmonitoring of the natural resources in rain-fed areas. Synergy of GISand Web Technology allows access to dynamic geospatial watershedinformation without burdening the users with complicated andexpensive software.Use of smart sensor network along with GIS, RS, simulation modelingand ICT opens up new opportunities for developing intelligentwatershed management information systems. These tools can helpin improving the rural livelihoods and contribute substantially to meetthe millennium development goals of halving the number of hungrypeople by 2015 and achieving food security through enhanced useefficiency of scarce natural resources such as land and water in thetropical countriesWatershed Management2011Conference or Workshop Item

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