The 87th Annual Convention of ISSS Inaugurated

3rd October 2023, Bhopal

The 87th Annual Convention of Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) was inaugurated by Shri Kamal Patel, Minister of Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh here today.

The convention was organised by ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science at ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal.

The Minister emphasized soil health to maintain human and animal health through natural farming. He stated that food grown under traditional agriculture is more nutritious, tastier, and healthier compared to food grown under intensive or modern agriculture. Shri Patel emphasised on an urgent need to revive the soil with respect to its physical, chemical and biological condition and overall soil health. He urged the scientists to go for natural farming to revert back to healthier soil. He also highlighted the importance of various schemes implemented by state and central government to improve the livelihood status of small and marginal farmers in terms of economics.

The Special Guest, Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) emphasised on the urgent need for research as well as awareness about soil amongst the common people. Dr Pathak exhorted to initiate the second phase of the soil health card, centre of excellence on fertilizer research, more climate resilient soil research for agriculture, soil research for horticultural crops, and awareness of proper use of fertilizer.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management) highlighted the importance of climate change mitigation, climate resilient agriculture. He also emphasized the role of society in soil health and soil education.

Dr SP Datta, Director, ICAR-IISS emphasized the role of soil for survival of the living beings and referred to ancient history that mentioned the importance of soil in Rig Veda and Manusmriti.

About 400 delegates from different parts of the country participated in this convention.

Dr AK Biswas, Organising Secretary proposed the vote of thanks.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal)