Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the inaugural session of the Global Soil Conference 2024 in PUSA, New Delhi today through video conferencing. Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), New Delhi under the aegis of International Union of soil Sciences, Italy in Collaboration with Indian council of Agricultural Research, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi organising  this Global Soils conference 2024 on “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security : Climate change mitigation & Ecosystem Services” in PUSA . Prof. Ramesh chand, Member of NITI Aayog, Dr.Trilochan Mohapatra, chairperson Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, and former Secretary DARE and DG ICAR, Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR&President ISSS were present at the function.

 While mentioning different initiatives of Government of India, Union Agriculture Minister delivered a compelling address emphasizing the critical importance of soil health in ensuring food security and achieving global sustainability. The Minister highlighted the government’s proactive efforts to integrate soil health management into broader climate action policies, underscoring soil’s role in mitigating climate change and supporting ecosystem services. The Minister urged scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to collaborate in developing actionable, farmer-centric solutions to enhance soil productivity and resilience while leveraging innovative technologies to combat challenges like soil degradation and nutrient loss.

Dr. Ramesh Chand delivered an insightful address that emphasized the historical evolution of soil management practices and their profound impact on agricultural productivity and sustainability. Reflecting on the past, he traced the journey of soil science from traditional farming practices to modern, technology-driven approaches, highlighting how innovations in soil management have played a pivotal role in boosting food production and addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Chand brought attention to the growing economic consequences of soil degradation, describing it as a silent crisis with far-reaching implications. He underscored how deteriorating soil health is not only reducing agricultural productivity but also leading to significant financial losses for farmers and national economies. Through detailed observations, he explained the cascading effects of soil degradation on livelihoods, food security, and environmental resilience.

As he discussed the conference theme, “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation and Ecosystem Services,” Dr. Chand highlighted the importance of integrating soil health economics into policy frameworks. He urged stakeholders to adopt a forward-looking approach, prioritizing investments in soil conservation and restoration. Dr. Chand concluded by emphasizing that tackling soil degradation requires a multi-pronged strategy encompassing innovation, research, and collaborative policymaking to safeguard productivity and sustainability for future generations.

Dr.Trilochan Mohapatra reflected on the pivotal contributions of soil research to agricultural progress. He called for blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technologies to create cost-effective, scalable practices that address soil degradation and improve farm productivity. Dr.Mohapatra also highlighted the need for coordinated efforts among researchers and policymakers to transform the agricultural landscape sustainably.

Dr.Himanshu Pathak presided over the session, offering an inspiring vision for sustainable soil management. He outlined the extensive work being undertaken by ICAR in advancing soil research and aligning it with global sustainability goals. Dr. Pathak stressed the importance of building stakeholder capacity, enhancing public awareness of soil health, and fostering inclusive policies that recognize soil as a cornerstone of sustainable development. He highlighted the vital contributions of farmers and scientists in preserving soil health and achieving the conference’s objectives, celebrating exemplary achievements in soil science and reinforcing the need for collective action to secure the future of soil resources.

Providing an international perspective, Dr.Edoardo Costantini, President of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), discussed the global significance of soil resources and their role in addressing climate challenges. He highlighted the urgency of international collaboration in soil research and policy formulation, commending India’s leadership in the field. Dr.Costantini expressed optimism that the conference would pave the way for impactful global partnerships and innovative solutions for sustainable soil stewardship.

The session began with a warm welcome by Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, who underscored the importance of the conference theme, “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation and Ecosystem Services.” Dr.Chaudhari acknowledged the efforts of national and international organizations in organizing the event and setting the stage for transformative discussions. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ranjan Bhattacharyya, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and organizing teams. The event also featured the ceremonial release of publications and the conferment of awards.

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