ICAR- Indian Institute of Maize Research

Consultation Workshop on “Bharat Soil Health Policy” Organized at ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana

Ludhiana, 27 May 2026: ICAR–Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR), Ludhiana, in collaboration with the Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), IFDC, and Save Soil movement, organized a regional consultation workshop on "Bharat Soil Health Policy (BSHP)" for North and North-West India on 27 May 2026. The consultation is part of a national effort to develop a comprehensive policy framework for protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing India's soils as a strategic national resource critical to food security, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and farmer livelihoods.
Chief Guest, Dr A.K. Nayak, DDG (NRM), ICAR, emphasized that soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture, environmental security, and national food security, and called for integrated nutrient management, regenerative agriculture, and multi-stakeholder partnerships for long-term sustainability. Dr Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director, ICAR-IIMR, Ludhiana reaffirmed the institute's commitment to advancing soil health through science-led interventions and collaborative efforts.
BSHP Core Group Members Dr A.K. Singh, Former Vice Chancellor, RVSKVV and Dr B.S. Dwivedi, Former Member, ASRB, stressed integrating scientific knowledge with policy frameworks and adopting farmer-centric approaches for effective implementation. Eminent speakers including Dr M. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal called for scientific soil assessment and evidence-based interventions to improve soil productivity and resilience. Dr R.S. Grewal, Director Extension, GADVASU, and Dr Parvender Sheoran, Director, ICAR-ATARI, underlined the need for robust extension systems and stronger research–extension–farmer linkages for sustainable agricultural transformation.
The Bharat Soil Health Policy is being jointly developed by ICAR, TAAS, IFDC, and Save Soil movement to create a long-term roadmap for improving soil health governance, promoting regenerative agricultural practices, and strengthening sustainable land management systems across India. The inaugural session featured context-setting by Dr Yash Saharawat, IFDC, who outlined the vision, objectives, and policy framework, while Dr Praveena Shridhar, Save Soil, emphasized the role of awareness generation and collaborative action in advancing soil conservation and regenerative agriculture.
Workshop sessions addressed key themes including soil health challenges, traditional knowledge systems, policy alignment, scientific priorities, soil data systems, innovation pathways, incentive mechanisms, and scaling of sustainable practices. Breakout discussions explored policy implementation, farmer incentives, carbon markets, institutional partnerships, and investment opportunities for improving soil health at scale.
The workshop concluded with concrete recommendations and actionable strategies to strengthen India's soil health management frameworks with special reference to north and North west India. The consultation served as a vital multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together representatives from ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, government departments, farmer organizations, agri-industry, and academia to collectively shape the future direction of the Bharat Soil Health Policy and its effective implementation.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research TAAS - Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences Save The Soil Movement Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

जिस मक्कई रेशम को अक्सर कृषि अपशिष्ट समझकर फेंक दिया जाता है, वही पोषण, स्वास्थ्य और मूल्य संवर्धन का महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत बन सकता है। प्रोटीन, फाइबर, खनिज एवं एंटीऑक्सीडेंट गुणों से भरपूर मक्कई रेशम का उपयोग चाय, स्वास्थ्य पेय और फाइबर अनुपूरक जैसे उत्पादों में किया जा सकता है। इसका प्रभावी उपयोग न केवल पोषण सुरक्षा को बढ़ावा देता है, बल्कि किसानों के लिए अतिरिक्त आय के अवसर भी सृजित करता है।

“अपशिष्ट से समृद्धि की ओर – मक्कई रेशम से सतत कृषि और किसान समृद्धि की नई पहल।”

स्रोत: खेती पत्रिका, मई 2026 अंक | लेख: “मक्कई रेशम का प्रसंस्करण”

ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research organized an awareness programme on the “Balanced Use of Fertilizers and Judicious Use of Pesticides” on 22nd May, 2026 at Sahadra, SBS Nagar, Punjab under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme. During the programme, pesticides for the kharif maize season were distributed among the beneficiary farmers. More than 100 farmers actively participated in the event.
Dr. M.C. Dagla addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of balanced and judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides for improving crop productivity while maintaining soil health and environmental sustainability. He emphasized the need for adopting sustainable agricultural practices for long-term benefits to farmers and society.
Dr. Pardeep Kumar informed the farmers about the objectives and benefits of the SCSP scheme and encouraged them to take maximum advantage of the scientific interventions being promoted under the programme. He also emphasized the growing importance of maize cultivation for silage production to meet the increasing fodder requirements of dairy farmers and enhance farmers’ income.
The programme was facilitated by progressive farmer Mr. Gurnek Singh, who motivated the farmers to adopt improved maize production technologies and sustainable farming practices.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and interactive discussions with farmers regarding scientific maize cultivation and resource conservation practices. Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR conducted an awareness programme on balanced use of fertilizers at Kaleh Majra, Block Nabha, District Patiala on 21.05.2026. A total of 35 farmers participated. Farmers were sensitized on balanced nutrient management, and Dhaincha seed was distributed to promote green manuring and soil health improvement. Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR conducted an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use at Chatriwala, Dhuri, Sangrur on 21.05.2026. A total of 60 farmers participated. Farmers were sensitized on soil test-based nutrient application and sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. Indian Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR conducted an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use at Kokri Kalan, Moga on 21.05.2026. Farmers were sensitized on soil test-based nutrient application and sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR conducted an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use at Village Diwala, Block Samrala, District Ludhiana on 20.05.2026. Scientists also visited farmers’ fields. Farmers were sensitized on soil test-based nutrient application, minimizing excessive fertilizer use, and adopting sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR activities on balanced fertilizer use featured in local news and media, highlighting awareness efforts on soil test-based nutrient management and sustainable agriculture for improved soil health and crop productivity. Council of Agricultural Research

ICAR–IIMR conducted an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use at Jartauli, District Ludhiana.

ICAR–IIMR organized an awareness programme on balanced fertilizer use at Namol Village, Sangrur district on 15.05.2026. Farmers were sensitized on soil test-based nutrient application, minimizing excessive fertilizer use, and adopting sustainable nutrient management practices for improving soil health and crop productivity. Council of Agricultural Research