Six decades of rural transformation; BAIF charts a new roadmap for Viksit Bharat @2047

BAIF Development Research Foundation today entered its 60th year of service to rural India, marking the beginning of its Diamond Jubilee year. Speaking at the Foundation Day programme at Uruli Kanchan, Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, traced BAIF’s journey from livestock development to a comprehensive rural transformation organisation and outlined its roadmap for contributing to Viksit Bharat @2047.

Recalling BAIF’s contribution to India’s dairy transformation, Dr. Kakade noted its role in scientific cattle breeding and livestock development during Operation Flood, when milk production rose from around 22 million tonnes in 1970 to 75 million tonnes by 1998 becoming the top milk producing country and maintaining the position even today. The Wadi programme initiated in 80’s, benefits 2.5 lakh families, generating about Rs. 2,000 crore annually, while contributing to carbon sequestration. BAIF’s watershed programme started in 1992, today covers around 3.5 lakh families, generating over Rs. 2,200 crore annually, and is a recipient of the UNESCO Water Digest World Water Award 2025.

During 2025–26, BAIF’s programmes expanded to 18 states, reaching more than 50 lakh families across 1.15 lakh villages. The estimated annual contribution generated through BAIF’s interventions to the rural economy, is about Rs. 31,000 crore.

Dr. Kakade highlighted the evolution of BAIF’s women’s empowerment programme from Self-Help Groups to entrepreneurship and digital inclusion. Nearly 2 lakh women entrepreneurs have emerged from BAIF’s programmes, while its Digital inclusion initiatives have enabled 1000 young rural women to provide e governance and financial services to 5 lakh families.

Among the significant initiatives during 2025–26 were the pilot application of Artificial Intelligence for residue-free vegetable production, genomic selection work with West Bengal Government, and the BAIF Rural Innovation Centre (BRIC) at Uruli Kanchan which is being developed as a platform for innovation, incubation and technology transfer in ecological agriculture, livestock, water and renewable energy. Through its Incubation Centre, the organisation is supporting rural entrepreneurship, green enterprises, start-ups and young innovators.

Rural prosperity and Viksit Bharat @2047

Dr. Kakade said that transforming the rural economy would be central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Agriculture currently contributes around 15% of GDP while supporting nearly 45% of the workforce, highlighting the need to increase productivity, incomes and value creation in rural areas.

BAIF’s emerging self-reliant rural bioeconomy model integrates ecological and AI-enabled agriculture, bio-inputs, dairy and livestock, renewable energy, FPOs, manufacturing and services. It envisages the potential to raise annual rural family incomes from the present median of around Rs.1.65 lakh to Rs. 8–12 lakh through diversified rural enterprises.

“The rural economy must move from subsistence to enterprise, from production to value creation and from dependence on external inputs to a self-reliant bioeconomy. This transformation can make the farm sector a major engine of Viksit Bharat @2047,” stated Dr. Kakade.

Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Maharashtra and Chairman, Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, presented the “Dr. Manibhai Desai Gaurav Puraskar” to the Best Self Help Group in BAIF’s Programme – “Adarsh Radhika Self Help Group” from Sambalpur, Odisha

Dr. Shitalkumar Mukane, Additional Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra Livestock Development Board, appreciated the contribution of women, particularly women working as Livestock Technicians in remote regions, and emphasised greater participation of women in dairy husbandry.

Best SHG in Maharashtra Programme – “Kukadimai Mahila Bachat Gat, Parner, Ahilyanagar at the hands of Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairperson, BAIF

Mr. Hrishikesh Mafatlal, Chairperson, BAIF, appreciated BAIF’s organisational stability, values and culture and highlighted its strong engagement with participating families and the emergence of nearly 2 Lakh Lakhpati women.

Mr. Sunil Lalbhai, Chairperson, Finance Committee and Human Resources Committee of Trustees, BAIF, appreciated BAIF’s relationship with participating families and emphasised that technological advancement must remain anchored in organisational values. Mr. Pratap Pawar, Trustee, BAIF, highlighted the potential of AI-enabled technologies in agriculture.

In his virtual address, Dr. Vilas Kharche, Vice Chancellor, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, emphasised modern technologies in agriculture and announced the joint postgraduate and research programme with BAIF.

Second Best SHG in BAIF Programme – “Wardha Mahila Swayam  Sahayta Samuh, Nandurbar at the hands of  Mr. Sunil Kumar, Head – Sustainability and CSR, ACG

Mr. Sunil Kumar, Head – Sustainability and CSR, ACG, appreciated BAIF’s holistic approach to sustainable development and urged greater focus on nutritional deficiencies.

Outstanding women’s Self-Help Groups, Livestock Technicians, Community Resource Persons, farmers, scientists, thematic specialists, employees and meritorious students were felicitated during the programme.

Earlier, Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Group Vice President – Finance, BAIF, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasised that values, credibility and commitment must remain non-negotiable foundations of BAIF’s growth. Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, BAIF, proposed the vote of thanks. Ms. Pritam Chandak, Vice President – Finance and Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Vice President – Programmes, BAIF, were also present on the occasion.

Release of BAIF Publications – Research Report, Annual Reports 2025-26 and The BAIF Journal

As BAIF enters its Diamond Jubilee year, it renews its commitment to taking science, innovation and sustainable livelihoods to rural communities and contributing to a prosperous, inclusive, climate-resilient and self-reliant rural India.

The 80th Independence Day of our great nation and the 150th year of our national song “Vande Mataram” were celebrated with pride, patriotism and enthusiasm at the BAIF Head Office in Pune. Subsequent to the ceremonial Guard of Honour, the national flag was hoisted by Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni and Dr. Avinash Deo in the presence of Mr. Rakesh Shinde, Dr. P.K. Kulkarni and the BAIF team. Chetan Dubey led the national anthem. Mr. Kulkarni expressed that freedom and independence signified adherence to rules and regulations and Viksit Bharat also meant the need for instilling discipline among every individual, unity, support and reaching out to each other. The approaching 60th year of BAIF was also highlighted on this occasion. Others who spoke on the occasion included Dr. Deo, Mr. Shinde, Chetan Dubey and Sucharita Dhar. The state offices also celebrated the occasion with nationalistic pride.

Pan BAIF Celebrations

On the occasion  of  International Tiger  Day and as a  collaborative  commitment to  wildlife  conservation  and sustainable  farming  practices, Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing event between BAIF Development Research Foundation and the Forest Department, Maharashtra for implementation of the Jal Samruddhi Project in 17 villages of Parseoni block of Nagpur district with the support of HDFC Bank Parivartan on July 29, 2026 in Nagpur. Mr. Fadnavis stated that this collaborative project between the Forest Department and Development Organisations is significant for ensuring sustainable development of communities living in fringe areas and will serve as the base for impactful partnerships in the future.

The non-financial MoU was signed by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Raviraj Jadhav, Vice President and Regional Director – West, BAIF and Mr. Tushar Chavan, IFS, Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Mr. Ashish Pilani, President, Sahyadri Wildlife Foundation and aims at sustainable agriculture, water conservation, natural resources management, wildlife-friendly farming, reducing crop losses caused by wildlife and strengthening livelihoods of more than 2000 families living in buffer villages through technical support, training of farmers and community engagement.

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Mr. Ganesh Naik, Hon. Cabinet Minister, Forest, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. M. Srinivasa Rao, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra State, Mr. Ramesh Kumar, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Pench Tiger Reserve, Mr. Shailesh Bhagat, Chief Programme Manager, BAIF and HDFC senior officials – Mr. Amit Lad, Zonal Head, Mr. Sushant Bhange, Zonal Head, Mr. Pavan Dongare, CSR Head and Mr. Satyendra Singh, Branch Manager. Dr. Pankaj Bhoyar, Minister of State for Home and School Education, Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Minister of State for Labour, Mr. Sumit Wankhede, MLA, Arvi constituency, Wardha district and Representatives from Bhutan, Cambodia and Bangladesh were also present on this occasion which was held at IIM Nagpur.

Dr. Ravi Kumar Gandham, VPPS, Director, BRIC-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB), Hyderabad, visited BAIF Central Research Station, Uruli Kanchan, Pune on July 27, 2026 and interacted with the senior leadership and team of scientists on advancing livestock genomics, animal health and collaborative research for sustainable livestock development.

Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, highlighted BAIF’s holistic, farmer-centric approach to sustainable rural development and key initiatives in livestock improvement, climate resilience and technology-driven extension services.

Dr. Gandham shared the pioneering work of NIAB in livestock genomics, biotechnology and animal health and expressed his admiration for the contribution of BAIF in livelihoods enhancement of smallholder dairy farmers during a subsequent field visit to Kopargaon in Ahilya Nagar district.

BAIF team of scientists – Dr. Sachin Joshi, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Animal Genetics, Breeding and Genomics, Dr. Kaustubh Bhave, Dr. Santosh Jadhav and Mr. Yuvaraj Gaundare showcased various innovations in livestock genomics and health with focus on  genetic improvement and enhanced animal productivity.   Mr. Pramodkumar Takawale,    Programme  Director – Agricultural   Research, Dr. Vitthal Kauthale,   Chief   Thematic   Programme  Executive – Farm    Research  and   Seed     Programme    and    Dr. Manojkumar Aware, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Animal Nutrition and Climate Action also participated in the discussions which identified areas for collaborative research and technology development.

BAIF and NIAB reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging scientific innovation, genomics, and field-based implementation to strengthen sustainable livestock development and empower rural communities.

Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis presided over the MoU signing event between BAIF Development Research Foundation and the Directorate of Sericulture, Department of Cooperation, Marketing and Textiles for Tussar-centric Livelihoods Development in Gadchiroli district on July 21, 2026 in Mumbai. The non-financial MoU was signed between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Mr. Vinay Moon, IAS, Director, Sericulture, Maharashtra in the presence of the Hon. Textile Minister, Mr. Sanjay Sawakare, Mrs. Anshu Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary, Textiles, senior officials from Government of Maharashtra and Dr. Raviraj Jadhav, Vice President, Mr. Sudhir Wagle, Joint Regional Director – West and Mr. Shailesh Bhagat, Chief Programme Manager, BAIF.

This special project is being undertaken by the Government of Maharashtra and BAIF. The private company, Herbalife has joined to support initial rearing of the cocoons and assets for the reeling activity. The project aims at strengthening the local economy by establishing private tussar seed production centres, promoting commercial cocoon production, value-added post cocoon activities and technical training for capacity building and empowerment of 2270 Scheduled Tribe families and women’s Self Help Groups in Gadchiroli district. Subsequent discussions with Hon. Textile Minister focussed on future collaboration to explore the potential for expansion of the tussar and mulberry silk industry across Maharashtra.

BAIF Development Research Foundation and Vaidic Dharma Sansthan (VDS), a public trust under the aegis of Art of Living Foundation, signed an MoU on July 8, 2026 in Bengaluru. The MoU was signed by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF and Brahmachari Swaprakash Deepak Sharma, Trustee, VDS.

BAIF will extend technical expertise to the Gaushala operated by VDS to enhance cattle health and productivity. The collaboration will demonstrate indigenous breed improvement through scientific breeding, balanced feeding, and effective animal health management and joint initiatives in research, training, internships, exposure visits, community-based livestock and rural development projects.

Senior officials from BAIF – Mr. B. Shivarudrappa, Vice President and Regional Director – South, Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, Dr. Vitthal Kauthale, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Agricultural Research, Mr. Waman Kulkarni, Chief Thematic Programme Executive – Natural Resource Management and Dr. Manikandan, State Head, Karnataka and the Management team from the Gaushala were present during this event.

BAIF Bhavan, Pune, an integral part of the legacy of BAIF, has completed three decades today. On June 19, 1996, the BAIF Bhavan and the Management Training Centre – the dream of our Founder – Late Dr. Manibhai Desai, an associate of Mahatma Gandhi, were inaugurated by then Canadian High Commissioner, Mr. Stanley Gooch. The premises spread over 2 ha and which houses various facilities – the Head Office, Training Classrooms, Hostel and Canteen, amidst a green canopy with diverse flora and fauna and forming a shelterbelt for improved micro-climate and biodiversity conservation, has been a testament to the growth of the organisation.

Over the years these premises have welcomed and nurtured young professionals with a desire to contribute to sustainable development of Rural India. It has also had the honour of receiving national and international dignitaries and wellwishers who have expressed their support for fulfilling the mission of BAIF. With its presence in 7 states three decades ago, today, BAIF has expanded to 18 states, reaching out to more than 4 million families in more than 100,000 villages and moving steadily towards Viksit Bharat@2047.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and BAIF (Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation) Development Research Foundation, Pune, formalized a strategic partnership through the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at BAIF’s Central Research Station, Uruli Kanchan, Pune, on June 15, 2026.

​The MoU was exchanged between Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, BAIF, and Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, marking a significant step towards collaborative research, innovation, technology validation, and capacity building in areas critical to sustainable development.

A key focus of the partnership will be the advancement of agrivoltaics, an emerging field that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural production. CSIR-NIIST has been developing innovative agrivoltaic technologies to optimize solar energy generation while enhancing agricultural productivity through advanced solar panel configurations and light-management approaches. BAIF, among the early adopters of agrivoltaics in India, has undertaken field-scale studies on diverse agrivoltaic systems and their impact on crop productivity and farm sustainability. Together, the two organizations will collaborate on field validation, demonstration, and deployment of agrivoltaic technologies across diverse agro-climatic regions of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, said, “This partnership with BAIF represents a convergence of scientific innovation and grassroots impact. By combining CSIR-NIIST’s technological expertise with BAIF’s extensive field network and experience in rural development, we aim to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies that support climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy generation, and improved rural livelihoods.”

During his visit, Dr. Anandharamakrishnan toured BAIF’s research facilities, field demonstrations, and laboratories. Discussions identified several additional areas for collaboration, including vegan leather technology, green technologies, wastewater treatment and reuse, agricultural waste management, biomass valorization, AI-enabled drone technologies for soil, water, and crop management, and waste-to-wealth solutions such as biodegradable plastics, eco-friendly packaging materials, agricultural mulch, and biodegradable cutlery.

Established in 1967 by Dr. Manibhai Desai, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, BAIF is one of India’s premier rural development organizations with a distinguished legacy in sustainable agriculture, livestock development, natural resource management, and livelihood enhancement. Its extensive grassroots presence and community-centered approach have made it a catalyst for rural transformation across the country.

The agreement was exchanged in the presence of senior scientists and officials from both organizations, including Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, BAIF; Mr. Pramod Takawale, Programme Director – Agricultural Research, BAIF; Dr. Adersh Ashok, Senior Scientist, CSIR-NIIST; and scientists and research teams from both institutions.

The strategic partnership is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of scalable solutions in agrivoltaics, circular bioeconomy, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, water management, and rural development, contributing significantly to India’s sustainability, climate action, and rural prosperity goals.

Courtesy: Press Information Bureau, Thiruvananthapuram 

Mango, the King of Fruits needs no introduction. This most sought after fruit has a very rich legacy. In Maharashtra, diverse varieties of mango are cultivated in traditional and non-traditional areas. This diversity was showcased at the unique Indigenous Mango Diversity Festival hosted by BAIF at its Head Office in Pune.

​The exhibition displayed more than 330 indigenous varieties cultivated in Ahilyanagar, Pune, Satara, Dharashiv, Sindhudurg, Nashik, Palghar, Ratnagiri and Latur districts each with its distinct characteristics, origin and cultural significance. The festival brought together conservationists, researchers, field practitioners and consumers with the common goal of conservation of unique agrobiodiversity for climate resilience, nutritional security, dietary diversity and as a secure food for future generations. Major discussions focussed on candidate selection, genomic and nutritional studies, genome saviours database, value addition and building a platform for knowledge enrichment.

The festival was inaugurated by Sayaji Shinde, Founder, Sahyadri Devarai Foundation in the presence of Dr. Ashok Giri, Senior Scientist, National Chemcial Laboratory, Pune, Dr. Subhash Bhalekar, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, Pune, Mr. Amit Gadre, Sakal Agrowon, Dr. Santosh Suryavanshi, Ayurveda Expert, Dr. Ankur Patwardhan, former Head of the Department of Biodiversity, Garware College, Pune, Dr. Sujata Taitali, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV & FRA), Branch Office, Pune, BAIF Senior Management – Mr. Shrinivas Kulkarni, Ms. Pritam Chandak, Dr. Rajashree Joshi and Mr. Sanjay Patil – BAIF’s Agrobiodiversity Lead, Thematic and other enthusiastic teams from BAIF Head Office and mango lovers from across the city.

The festival with its staggering display of diverse varieties of mangoes and explained with painstaking details and pride by dedicated cultivators, was a step towards educating, conserving and ensuring sustainable use of Maharashtra’s mango cultural heritage.

​The two-day national workshop organised at the Head Office of BAIF in Pune, witnessed a stunning participation by more than 35 vibrant eDosts and Digital Sakhis associated with BAIF’s Programme in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. These new-age dynamic women brimming with confidence and leadership skills stole the show with their infectious enthusiasm, power with words, expressions and resilience. Time stood still as one after the other, these women broke the shackles of language and cultural diversities with their unity and sense of purpose, to unfold a silent digital revolution in rural India. The experience sharing sessions enabled them to learn from each other and build on their capacities while exploring new pathways for rural transformation.

​Many of these women, who once had limited mobility and financial agency, are now earning independent incomes, operating digital platforms, facilitating financial transactions, supporting access to government schemes, and helping rural citizens navigate an increasingly digital world. For years, BAIF has consciously invested in building a grassroots cadre of women digital service providers in under-served and remote rural regions where access to technology, banking, entitlements, and information were limited. Today, these women have emerged as trusted change-makers, local entrepreneurs, and role models for countless others in their communities. Their work is even more endearing because of the fact that they are often the first point of support for the elderly, widows, differently-abled and vulnerable households for whom digital systems and formal institutions are formidable challenges.

With the arrival of doorstep digital and financial services provided by this band of neo-digital and financial providers, crucial gaps in access, dignity, and inclusion are being narrowed swiftly. The transformation in their own lives has been equally remarkable. The surge in self-esteem, financial independence, decision-making ability and recognition within families and society is helping to break the glass ceiling in rural India. Women are no longer seen merely as beneficiaries — they have a new identity and are now known as breadwinners, leaders, and technology ambassadors of their villages.

Over the years, BAIF-facilitated 650+ Digital Sakhis and eDosts have collectively reached thousands of rural households, facilitated access to multiple government welfare schemes, promoted digital and financial literacy, enabled online services, and created sustainable livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level. This initiative is a powerful example of how connectivity can be made meaningful — where science, technology, and society come together to create inclusive and human-centred development. It reflects the vision of a Digital India where no village, no woman, and no vulnerable citizen is left behind.

In this journey, the invaluable partnership and support extended by fintech and institutional partners namely, PayNearby, Bankit, Partner banks, APC-Internet Society, IIT Bombay, Tata Motors, ITC, L & T Finance, Reliance Foundation and Gates Foundation have enabled BAIF to strengthen the rural digital ecosystem.

Conceived as a mission-mode stock-taking exercise, the workshop drew upon strategic guidance and facilitation support from BAIF’s senior team members -Rajashree Joshi and Waman Kulkarni, Sujata Kangude, Women Empowerment Anchor, and was very well coordinated by Ms. Pooja Majgankar who has been anchoring the E-Dost Initiative at BAIF. The workshop was also enriched with a motivational session by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President, BAIF.

One-health and biodiversity are critical aspects. In the absence of connections between the loss of forest cover, impact on air quality and health, Biohappiness should be the goal along with a set of social and human capital indicators, stated Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist, World Health Organization and currently, the Chairperson of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai during her visit to BAIF, Pune on May 22, 2026.

Dr. Swaminathan, daughter of former Vice Chairman of BAIF, Bharat Ratna Late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, while interacting with senior BAIF team led by Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee, lamented the exclusive focus on financial capital and infrastructure development and the need for key policies beyond GDP which India can take to the world. There is a need for a national programme on agrobiodiversity with the Government extending funding and other support to ensure a large database for plant breeding and linking it for the benefit of the farmers and committed community seed banks.

Nutrition and the health-food system are broken and malnutrition, stunting, anaemia are still prevalent among women and children in tribal areas apart from the alarming rise in diabetes and obesity especially among younger people. As 2026 is the Year of the Woman Farmer, she called for incentives in agriculture and replication of women-centred enterprises and innovations. Science, research straddled with development and a partnership / consortium approach are also very important, she concluded. She and the Pune-based Chairs of MSSRF-Nutrition and Women in Agriculture Centres, expressed interest in BAIF’s publications, agrobiodiversity and nature-based solutions in Agriculture exhibits and interacted with Dr. Kakade, Dr. Rajashree Joshi, Vice President, Programmes, Sucharita Dhar, Sanjay Patil and Viswadev VS.

Dr. Swaminathan and her team accompanied by Dr. Rajashree Joshi, also visited the BAIF Rural Innovation Centre at Uruli Kanchan, Pune on May 23 – agrivoltaics and hydroponics demonstrations, spineless cactus park, livestock genomics, research facilities, Community Health Research Centre and the marketing outlet of women self help groups and emphasised on nutrition and food systems through various interventions, during her interaction with Dr. Jayant Khadse, Vice President – Livestock Development and Scientific Research, Vithal Kauthale, Sachin Joshi, Lata Sharma, Hemant Kadam, Kaustubh Bhave, Kailas Gavhane and Sagar Jade. The visit concluded with the Nisargopachar Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi and with its focus on naturopathy for mental and physical well-being.

May 8, 2026: Dr. Bharat Kakade, President and Managing Trustee of BAIF Development Research Foundation, has been nominated as a Member of the Advisory Board of the prestigious National Water Academy (NWA), Central Water Commission (CWC), Pune with effect from May 8, 2026 for a period of three years.

The NWA serves as a Centre of Excellence for imparting training in the development and management of water resources to serving engineers deputed from Central and State agencies. The CWC is a premier technical organisation in the country which is affiliated to the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.

With his vast experience spanning nearly three and a half decades in natural resources management and innovative water resources development models in diverse agro-ecological regions of the country, the programmes implemented under the leadership of Dr. Kakade have resulted in the transformation of thousands of water-deficit villages into water-surplus villages.

Hearty congratulations to Dr. Kakade on this admirable nomination which will go a long way in strengthening and conserving the water reserves in the country through his extensive experience in sustainable water resources management and stewardship.