‘Intensive agricultural systems must be re-aligned to long-term sustainability’

Agriculture being the most vulnerable component of the food system, requires immediate scientific intervention, and the intensive agricultural systems must be re-aligned to long-term sustainability, A.K. Patra, Vice-Chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), West Bengal, said in Coimbatore on Saturday.

The pressing global challenges-land degradation, and biodiversity loss warrants conserving soil, enhancing productivity, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems, Prof. Patra said, addressing the valedictory session of the 89th Annual Convention of Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU).

Eminent soil scientists, researchers, academicians, and policymakers across the country took part in the event jointly organised by the Coimbatore Chapter of ISSS, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, TNAU.

The collective commitment of the soil science community to promoting sustainable soil management, accelerating innovation, and fostering strong collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and farmers was underscored at the event.

B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Educationalist and Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore, emphasized on Gandhian thoughts, highlighting how Cap on Consumption (COC) formula would pave way for contribute more and consuming less.

M. Raveendran, Director of Research, TNAU, dwelt on the national focus on sustainable soil management and climate resilience, delineating the emerging role of sensors for nutrient optimization, hand-held devices for nutrient diagnostics, and portable instruments capable of quantifying soil microbial activity through oxygen-induced colorimetric changes.

Prof. Raveendran elaborated on the integration of AI tools, drone imaging, and satellite-based systems for real-time monitoring of soil parameters, and stressed the importance of improving nutrient use efficiency with next-generation inputs such a sthird-generation fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, nano-fertilizers, and biofertilizers.

Experts deliberated on the impact of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), and initiatives for reducing methane emissions through carbon credit-linked programmes.