Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 9th International Micro irrigation conference at Aurangabad in Maharashtra today.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Nitin Gadkari said the Central government taking several new initiatives for water conservation. He said this is the time to think of change in crop pattern considering the availability of water.

The Minister said Micro irrigation system is very important for agriculture and rural economy. Ministry of Water Resources and River Development is organising the Conference.

The theme of the conference is  “Micro Irrigation and Modern Agriculture”.

The three-day conference has exhibitions and sessions to create public awareness for the use of Micro Irrigation on large scale.

740 delegates including 100 foreign delegates from 56 countries are participating in the conference. The conference aims to share experiences in the use of new technologies and best management practices in drip, micro-sprinkler, and other localized irrigation systems.