ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal Celebrated 36th Foundation Day on April 15, 2023

ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), a Bhopal based institute under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research celebrated its 36th Foundation Day on 15th April, 2023. The premier institute on soil research was established in 1988 with the mandate of conducting basic and strategic research on soils in order to enhance and sustain the soil productivity with minimal environmental pollution.
On this occasion, Dr S. P. Datta, Director, ICAR-IISS highlighted the achievements and future thrust areas of the institute. The programme was graced by Dr S. K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR, Dr S. K. Sanyal, former VC, BCKV, Mohanpur, and Dr C. R. Mehta, Director, ICAR-CIAE. All the previous Directors, Scientists and other employees are also invited to attend the programme.
Dr. S. K. Chaudhari congratulated the institute staff for successfully taking the institute to 36th year. He urged the senior level scientists to mentor the young scientists as it is only the fusion of experienced and young minds could take the institute to newer heights. The Foundation Day lecture on “Basic Soil Science Research: Some Thoughts” was delivered by Prof. S. K. Sanyal. He emphasized to study various coupling processes in soil. This session was Chaired by Dr A. Subba Rao, former Director and co-chaired by Dr Ashok K Patra, former Director, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal. On this occasion the institute also felicitated the progressive farmers, scientists and other staff completing 30 and 20 years of service and scientists attaining new heights in their careers. The institute also released new publications and mobile Apps for the benefit of farmers.
Earlier Dr S. P Datta welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. The Foundation Day function was organized in hybrid mode through which the previous Directors, Scientists and other employees attended the programme. Research associates, SRFs, young professionals and students also attended the function.
The institute has phenomenal R&D output evidenced by publications and citations. Besides giving several technologies for farmers’ benefits, the institute is also participating in various Government schemes like Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav, Farmers FIRST, Scheduled Caste and Tribal Sub Plans. For its commendable work the institute was bestowed with Mahindra Samriddhi Krishi Sansthaan Samman in the year 2016, Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 2018 and “King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2020” by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN).