The ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS & LUP), Nagpur, celebrated its Golden Jubilee Foundation Day on Sunday commemorating 50 years of its establishment. The landmark occasion celebrated five decades of the Bureau’s significant contributions to soil resource mapping, soil information generation and land use planning in the country. Dr M L Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) was the chief guest. Dr A K Nayak, Deputy Director General, Natural Resource Management, ICAR, New Delhi, presided over the function while Dr S K Chaudhari, Director General, Fertiliser Association of India (FAI), was the guest of honour. Around 250 participants, including present and retired scientists and staff of ICAR-NBSS & LUP, delegates from other ICAR institutes and students, participated in the celebration.

 

While, addressing the gathering, Dr Jat congratulated Director and the entire NBSS & LUP family on completing 50 years of dedicated service to the nation. Appreciating the commendable work carried out by the Bureau, he highlighted the crucial role of ICAR-NBSS & LUP in Soil Resource Mapping of India and land Use Planning. He emphasised that the soil database and information systems developed by the Bureau constitute an important foundation for crop improvement, agricultural development and decision support system- making.

 

He stated that the Bureau is progressing in the direction of the changing needs and priorities of the nation. Dr Nayak emphasised the Bureau’s role in strengthening soil information and resource assessment. Dr S K Chaudhari highlighted the importance of soil survey and pedology in promoting sustainable agriculture. The golden jubilee celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of past and present scientists and staff and to reaffirm the Bureau’s commitment to advancing scientific soil resource information and sustainable land use planning for the benefit of Indian agriculture. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr G P Obi Reddy.