Nagpur, 23 August 2026:

The ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur, celebrated its Golden Jubilee Foundation Day on 23 August 2026, commemorating 50 years of its establishment in its present form in 1976. The landmark occasion celebrated five decades of the Bureau’s significant contributions to soil resource mapping, soil information generation and land use planning in the country.

Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, was the Chief Guest of the programme. Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New Delhi, presided over the function, while Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India (FAI), was the Guest of Honour.

Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities of Maharashtra and former Deputy Directors General of ICAR also graced the occasion. Around 250 participants, including present and retired scientists and staff of ICAR-NBSS&LUP, delegates from other ICAR institutes and students, participated in the celebration.

While, addressing the gathering, Dr. M.L. Jat congratulated the Director and the entire NBSS&LUP family on completing 50 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Appreciating the commendable work carried out by the Bureau, he highlighted the crucial role of ICAR-NBSS&LUP in Soil Resource Mapping of India and land Use Planning. He emphasized that the soil database and information systems developed by the Bureau constitute an important foundation for crop improvement, agricultural development and decision support system-making. He further stressed the need for a Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Land Use Planning to address emerging challenges and support modern agriculture. He stated that the Bureau is progressing in the direction of the changing needs and priorities of the nation.

Dr. A.K. Nayak emphasized the Bureau’s role in strengthening soil information and resource assessment.

He suggested that the Bureau should develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for contactless soil analysis, work towards the reconstitution of agro-climatic zones of the country, and develop an interoperable soil database for the benefit of agriculture and allied sectors.

Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India, highlighted the importance of soil survey and Pedology in promoting sustainable agriculture. He appreciated the contributions of ICAR-NBSS&LUP and emphasized the need for the Bureau to adopt a futuristic approach and further strengthen its role in addressing emerging challenges related to soil health, agricultural sustainability and land resource management.

The Golden Jubilee celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of past and present scientists and staff and to reaffirm the Bureau’s commitment to advancing scientific soil resource information and sustainable land use planning for the benefit of Indian agriculture.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. G.P. Obi Reddy..

***

Dhananjay Wankhede/Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

 

Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai    /pibmumbai  pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2302567) आगंतुक पटल : 57