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DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Warm Greetings & Welcome
It is my proud privilege that I have been appointed as a Director of ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, one of the world-renowned premier institutes of soil science. The Institute endeavours to undertake research activities in new frontiers of soil science considering the paradigm shifts in our understanding of soil- water- air- plant -human continuum. As the leader of team ICAR-IISS, Bhopal, I would ensure that various stakeholders of the nation (researchers, academicians, students, farmers, industries, policy makers, planners) and other collaborating nations shall be benefited through translational research in soil science which would provide sustainability in agricultural production. I encourage and welcome any collaboration and funding arrangement with national and international bodies and regulatory agencies for a sustainable research, technology development and policy formulation. In the light of Government guidelines related to National Agricultural Priorities to enhance the income/benefits of farmers and sustain the environment, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal is to chalk out research programmes. The preparatory phase of the provisional roadmap is to be developed in the following areas:
Research prioritization and multidisciplinary approach
Identification of key priority areas, more holistic and problem-solving projects in synchronization with Government schemes, and basic and strategic disciplinary as well as multi-disciplinary research are the need of the hour to attain professional excellence and innovations.
Basic research with high probability of convergence
More emphasis on fundamental processes operating in soil-plant continuum, which should find its application solving the problems aiming at improving soil functions. Basic research on alternate farming such as organic farming, natural farming etc., needs to be strengthened.
Improving nutrient and water use efficiency
Fertilizer product research involving nanotechnology and other novel approaches, in situ water harvesting watershed-based resource management, micro-irrigation and fertigation technologies, and precision farming involving AI and decision support tools, maintenance and sustenance of soil health, SSNM, use of RCTs are the ways and means of enhancing nutrient and water use efficiency.
Initiation of research on “One health approach’’
Multidisciplinary research on ‘One Health’, an integrated and unifying approach to assess and maintain soil, animal, human and environment health needs to be initiated. Feasibility of using modern tools like hyperspectral, proximal and remote sensing in assessing soil the state of soil health should be assessed.
Nutrient mining
In-depth understanding of nutrient mining and ways and means of arresting it to possible extent should be devised.
Initiation of research on rhizosphere for better understanding of nutrient dynamics and its availability
Impact of root growth and respiration, rhizodeposition, and uptake of water and nutrients on biological, chemical and physical changes in soils over variable distances from the root surface should be unraveled. Crop root density and architecture need to be assessed.
In-depth study on using non-conventional sources of plant nutrients
In the face of scarcity and escalating price of chemical fertilizers, research on the feasibility of using non-conventional sources of plant nutrients, such as waste mica, low grade rock phosphate, glauconite etc. needs to be intensified.
Integration of AICARPs
Meaningful integration and interaction among AICRPs are need of hour to address and improve the soil health holistically.
Orientation of soil research in the context of climate change
Center for carbon research for efficient carbon management needs to be established. Working on carrying capacity of major soil groups and assessing quality of soil organic carbon under various agroclimatic conditions should constitute priority. Urgent need is to assess and understand the impact of climate on soil properties and functions including nutrient supply capacity.
Research on risk assessment and remediation of polluted soils should get impetus
Detailed study on risk assessment and remediation options should be taken under normal and change conditions.
Initiation of PG Programmes
PG degree Programmes in soil science in collaboration with ICAR-IARI, New Delhi are to be initiated and strengthened.
Collaboration and linkages
National and international collaboration should be widened. Strong linkages with industries need to be established for up scaling the technologies. Functional linkages / MoUs with national and overseas universities need to be developed.
Resource generation and capacity building
Resource can be generated through externally funded projects, organizing HRD programmers, attracting R &D funds of industry and commercialization of technologies. Exposure of scientist and research personnel to national/international centres of excellence are required for capacity building.
Empowered with a strong team of 46 highly competent and motivated scientists duly supported by 13 technical, 18 administrative, 12 supporting staff, who are currently engrossed in research, teaching, training, consultancy and technology transfer/ commercialization, the institute’s research will be addressing all important fields with clear benchmarking of deliverables by undertaking basic, advanced and applied research. My ultimate aim is to envision an Institute where every IISSian takes pride in contributing with full potential using one’s own inherent intelligence and leadership to deliver outstanding research and services to the nation without compromising the respect, integrity and mark of excellence that ICAR and IISS behest in world science and technology arena.
Apart from the research activities, I shall try to bring the Institute in the forefront in implementing the administrative and financial reforms as instructed by the Council and also to take lead position in terms of implementing all the central schemes such as TSP, NEH plan, Official language implementation, e-office adaptation, seed village, farmers days, MGMG, SCSP, etc. and as per the directives from the Council. Moreover, the institute will also organize the Agriculture Education Day (December 3), National Science Day (February 28), International Women’s Day (March 8), International Yoga Day (June 21), as usual to spread awareness on scientific temperament as well as social well-being.
I solicit your valuable and constructive suggestions to help us to achieve our mission in the new millennium. On a positive note, we endure to serve the nation in a more prolific and rational way for a perkier, more gratifying and pleasing tomorrow.
JAI HIND
(M. Mohanty)