FICCI organizes 4th Edition of ‘Sustainable Soil Health Management’ to commemorate World Soil Day 2025
December 08, 2025
NEW DELHI, 08 December 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to strengthening India’s agricultural sustainability framework, FICCI jointly with ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), organized the 4th edition of the Program on Sustainable Soil Health Management on the occasion of World Soil Day 2025.
This year’s global theme, ‘Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities’, underscores the importance of soil not only in rural landscapes but also within expanding urban environments. With increasing challenges such as soil sealing, contamination, and declining green spaces in cities, the program highlighted the critical need to safeguard urban soils through sustainable interventions including urban agriculture, green infrastructure, and innovative soil rehabilitation practices.
Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson, PPVFRA and Former Director General, ICAR, emphasized that soil health remains central to the well-being of ecosystems and humanity. “Healthy soils are the foundation of food security, environmental resilience, and sustainable development. As we work towards a healthier planet, it is imperative that we adopt practices and technologies that restore and preserve soil integrity across both rural and urban landscapes,” he remarked.
Dr Debashis Mandal, HoD, Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, underscored the role of scientific soil mapping and long-term monitoring systems in guiding sustainable land-use practices. Strengthening soil health begins with scientific measurement and long-term monitoring—only then can we design truly sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. The Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR–IARI, New Delhi, has been relentlessly working on soil health management and improvement since its inception in 1936 (initially established at Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar in the year 1905). The PUSA Soil Test Fertilizer Recommendation (STFR) meter, developed by the scientists of this Division, has expedited soil testing across the country while also making it more affordable.
The panel discussion on ‘Advancements in Technology and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Soil Conservation’ brought together leading experts from ICAR institutes and agricultural technology innovators. Moderated by Ms Ruchira, Head – Advocacy & Industry Affairs, India & South Asia, Corteva Agriscience, the discussion explored breakthrough solutions in soil science, salinity management, microbial interventions, nematode management, and technology-led soil diagnostics. Corteva, as an agricultural innovator, reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable agriculture by providing farmers with solutions that enhance productivity and protect soil health. On the occasion of World Soil Day, it was highlighted that biologicals help deliver improved yields and more resilient soils through science-based approaches, while advanced nematicides offer favourable toxicological and environmental profiles that safeguard soil life and health. Corteva also announced its initiative to empower 40 women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across five states with IARI-developed soil-testing machines.
Dr Ajay Bhardwaj, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, highlighted the urgent need to address soil salinity and sodicity through climate-resilient and cost-effective technologies.
Dr Brijesh Kumar Mishra, Principal Scientist, Division of Microbiology, ICAR- IARI, emphasized the power of beneficial microbes and regenerative approaches in enhancing soil biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
Dr Vishal Somvanshi, Principal Scientist, Division of Nematology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, called attention to nematode-induced losses in key crops and the necessity of integrated strategies combining research, diagnostics, and farmer awareness.
Mr. Rajat Vardhan, Founder, ScaNxt, stressed the transformational role of digital tools in enabling accurate soil analysis and precision agriculture.
Mr. Madetira P Thimmaiah, Head- Sales and Marketing, Klonec Automation Systems Pvt. Ltd. (Krishitantra), highlighted the impact of automated soil testing technologies in delivering timely and reliable recommendations to farmers.
The event also celebrated young talent through the FICCI–IARI Students’ Awards, honoring winners of the Soil Painting Competition held on the theme “Soil – Life on Land.” The Chief Guest, Dr. Mohapatra, felicitated the awardees and encouraged them to continue championing environmental stewardship.