ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal celebrated its 16.04.2024 37th Foundation Day today.
The Chief Guest Dr. S.K Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, emphasized the importance of soil science and its role in plant growth and ecosystem services. He urged the scientists to be aware of new developments and work with farmers, considering future resource challenges and increasing fragility. Dr. Chaudhari also highlighted the need for organic and natural farming, as fertilizer availability is uncertain. He emphasized the need for education and awareness among stakeholders in soil science.
Dr. A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General (SWM), NRM, ICAR, and Dr. P.K Sharma, Former Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu graced the function as the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata also joined the Foundation Day programme virtually as a special guest.
Dr. S.P Datta, Director, ICAR-IISS, urged the need to digitize farmlands with georeferenced points. He emphasized that students are the driving force for innovative research for any organization. Dr. Datta stated that soil health status could be maintained through balanced fertilizer use, conservation agriculture, customized fertilizer, nutrient management options through INM, and natural and organic farming.
Directors of the Institute, Dr. P.N Takkar, Dr. C.L Acharya, Dr. A. Subba Rao, and Dr. A.K Patra addressed the gathering as special guests in online as well as offline mode.
Dr. P.K Sharma emphasized the importance of the institute’s unique approach and the need for increased stakeholder interaction. He also highlighted the significance of soil health for the health of all living things. Dr. Sharma delivered a Foundation Day lecture on ‘Soil Physics for Land-Water-Food-Environmental Sustainability, emphasizing the role of soil conditions in crop production.
The institute felicitated the progressive farmers for their innovativeness and adoption of modern agricultural practices. Dr. S.P Datta was also felicitated on the completion of twenty-nine years of dedicated service in ICAR. The dignitaries also released the publications for the benefit of farmers.
A total of 200 people actively participated in the programme.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal)
Read more: https://icar.org.in/icar-iiss-celebrated-its-37th-foundation-day
