ICAR-CRIDA Convenes Stakeholder Meeting on Bharat Soil Health Policy

Hyderabad — The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) convened a consultation workshop on the Bharat Soil Health Policy, drawing scientists, government officials, farmers and business stakeholders to examine approaches for sustainable soil management.

The gathering sought to reinforce India's soil health framework by recognizing soil as a critical national resource with implications for food production, climate adaptation, public wellbeing and farmer prosperity.

More than 110 representatives participated, including officials from Central and State government departments, personnel from ICAR research centers and agricultural universities, and representatives from allied sectors.

Dr. V.K. Singh highlighted the workshop's significance as a forum enabling diverse stakeholders to contribute feedback toward developing a policy framework that serves farmers' interests. Dr. A.K. Nayak emphasized the importance of designing accessible, actionable implementation mechanisms suited to field-level execution.

The consultation encompassed focused discussions addressing soil health impediments, indigenous agricultural practices, financial incentives, stakeholder priorities and coordination with existing national initiatives. Participants examined strategies for restoring soil capacity and advancing sustainable farming methods, particularly in dryland areas.

The Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences and Dr. Reddy's Foundation partnered in organizing the event.

Notable attendees included Dr. M. Mohanty, who heads the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science in Bhopal, and Dr. B. Venkateswarlu, the former Vice Chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth. Dr. A.K. Singh, previously Vice Chancellor of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, and Dr. B.S. Dwivedi, a former member of the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board, also participated. Dr. D. Raji Reddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University, attended the workshop.