Oklahoma Master Irrigator Program
Fellow: Sumit Sharma, Oklahoma State University Roadmap OSU MIP Fellow Report:
The purpose of this project is to enhance the sustainable use of irrigation resources in western Oklahoma, improve water use efficiency, and longevity of water resources. This project will work to improve the education level of producers regarding irrigation management, facilitate the adoption of novel water conservation technologies and strategies in farming operations, and establish an extension network to facilitate the peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge between academia and stakeholders During the current period, marketing the program through various marketing tools was explored. The registration count for the program stood at 19 with representation from all targeted counties but 2.
The first session of the master irrigator program was conducted successfully on January 31st.
● The curriculum of the program was finalized for the 2022 master irrigator program. ● Website of the program was updated. ● With the help of key informants and catalysts, a marketing strategy was prepared for the 2022 Master Irrigator program. ● The marketing strategy was executed, through social media by the Oklahoma Water Resource Center. ● Local county educators were contacted for their assistance in spreading the word about our program. Flyers were sent to potential clientele, through their listservs. ● Prepared for advertising through local newspapers, and Key-informants helped with advertising our program through farm journals. ● The publication process of the program has also begun, with the first publication meeting on December 9 ● A significant number of target participants and from all the counties targeted were at the first session. Two counties where there were no participants do not have major irrigation operations. ● The program was started. At the end of the program, we will know how many acres of irrigated and dryland that was impacted.
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