National Level Training Programme on “Integrated Nutrient Management and Nutrient Budgeting through Advanced Models to improve Crop Productivity” inaugurated

3^rd February, 2020, Udhagamandalam

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam inaugurated the 5-day National Level Training Programme on “Integrated Nutrient Management and Nutrient Budgeting through Advanced Models to improve Crop Productivity” today. The programme sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be organized till 7^th February, 2020.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Santhi, Director, Diretorate of Natural Resource Management, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore emphasized on the need for sustaining the soil health by integrating the organic manures and following proper crop rotations. She also stressed on the significance of soil test based fertilizers application for improving the soil fertilizer efficiency and to optimize the crop productivity. Dr. Santhi also added that the application of organic manures would improve the biological activity in the soil.

The Guest of Honor, Dr. Dipak Ranjan Biswas, Principal Scientist (Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi expressed his concerns on the indiscriminate and excess use of fertilizers that are not contributing to the productivity of the soil. He stressed on the need to apply the organic manures for soil resilience.

Dr. K. Kannan, Head, ICAR-IISWC, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam stressed on the need for proper fertilizer policy. He emphasized on the role of integrated nutrient management for improving the crop yield in the country.

Dr. E.P. Venkatasalam, Head, ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Ooty and Dr. S. Rajan, Scientist, Ministry of Ayush along with other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The training programme has been designed for acquainting the participants about the latest tools, techniques and models for effective Integrated Nutrient Management (INM training) and Nutrient Budgeting through Advanced Models to improve Crop Productivity”.

Around 25 scientists and professors from the different parts of the country are participating in the training programme.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh)