Proposed workshops and Seminars
Workshops and seminars will form one of the important components of the ITP. The major aim will be how to share the rich knowledge gained from the research studies done in different regions on different themes. Also it will act as a platform for the researchers, policy makers and scholars in sharing the knowledge. Hence they form the knowledge centers on irrigation technology development, management and outreach activities.
The following workshops and seminars are planned during the next three years.
- Operational guidelines and models on drip and fertigation being followed in different states and the potential for up-scaling the success stories
- Valuation of water and pricing – what should be done?
- Virtual water – the need for water trade and water education.
- Irrigation technologies – Up-scaling and mainstreaming
Number of workshops and seminars will be about 2 per year. Since 2008 almost ending and atleast minimum 2-3 months period is necessary for preparation, one or two workshops/seminars will be planned during 2008 and the rest will be conducted during 2009. The duration of the workshop and seminars will be about 2 days each. Detailed work plan will be prepared for each workshop/seminar. Experts from the fields will be invited to present the key note papers followed by the papers by the officials, researchers and NGOs. Number of participants per program will be around 30. Participants will be drawn from all sectors working on water related issues including NGOs and research institutes.
The organization of the workshops and seminars will be given to the committed institutions after getting responses from several institutes where ITP will provide the overall supervision and guidance. The collaboration of other institutions in conducting the programs will also be explored. Proceeding for the workshops and seminars will be released as Policy Brief to the Government and other agencies involved in water sector investment and management. In addition, weekly/monthly seminar and symposium will also be supported through SRTT funds.
Population pressure and increasing water competition in a changing climate require us to take stock of the availability and use of water across scales. Water availability not only influences farmers’ commercial prospects but also irrigation-related enterprises and agri-businesses. Greater water scarcity could jeopardize irrigation and agricultural markets while excessive water use can lead to declining ecosystems, water quality and soil health. IWMI advises development partners and the public and private sectors on all aspects of water resource availability and use through a variety of advanced modeling and remote-sensing products and tools, including 
The ability of farmers to engage in or expand irrigation depends on the prevailing socioeconomic, ecological and political contexts, which are often complex, non-linear and changeable. Overcoming systemic barriers to farmer-led irrigation development while taking advantage of existing opportunities 
A lack of affordable credit, particularly for women and resource-poor farmers, is one of the main barriers to expanding farmer-led irrigation in low- and middle-income countries. But 
Scaling farmer-led irrigation requires strengthening human capacity and knowledge exchange among all actors and stakeholders involved. IWMI takes an action research approach, working with national and international research institutions, governments, extension agents and public and private organizations to co-develop the scaling ecosystem and strengthen capacity to drive scaling networks and collective action. We support the