Hyderabad: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture hosted a consultation workshop on the Bharat Soil Health Policy on Thursday, bringing together scientists, policymakers, farmers and industry representatives to discuss sustainable soil management strategies.
The workshop aimed to strengthen India’s soil health framework and protect soils as a national asset linked to food security, climate resilience, public health and farmers’ livelihoods.
Around 110 participants from Central and State governments, ICAR institutions, agricultural universities and allied sectors attended the consultation programme.
Bharat Soil Health Policy focuses on sustainable farming
Speaking at the event, Dr. V.K. Singh said the consultation created an important platform for stakeholders to provide recommendations for a farmer-friendly Bharat Soil Health Policy.
Dr. A.K. Nayak stressed the need for simple and practical frameworks to ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level.
The workshop also featured interactive sessions on soil health challenges, traditional knowledge systems, incentives, policy expectations and convergence with existing government schemes.
Organisers conducted discussions on restoring soil productivity and improving sustainable agricultural practices across dryland farming regions.
Bharat Soil Health Policy workshop brings experts together
The programme was organised in association with the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences and Dr. Reddy’s Foundation.
Several senior agricultural scientists and academicians attended the workshop. These included Dr. M. Mohanty, Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, and Dr. B. Venkateswarlu, former Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth.
Former Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya Vice Chancellor Dr. A.K. Singh and former Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board member Dr. B.S. Dwivedi also participated.
Dr. D. Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, attended the consultation as well.