14th Dr. N.P. Datta Memorial Lecture Organized by Bhopal Chapter of ISSS

 

MK NEWS, BHOPAL

Bhopal Chapter of the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) organised 14th Dr. N.P. Datta Memorial Lecture on the topic “Emerging Opportunities of Soil Science Education in India” at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, on 01 October 2025. The lecture was delivered by the renowned soil scientist, Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi. The program began with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries on the dias. The speaker was welcomed by Dr. M Mohanty, Director, ICAR-IISS and Patron of Bhopal Chapter Indian Society of Soil Science (BC-ISSS). 

The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries on the dais. Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Director, ICAR-IISS and Patron, Bhopal Chapter-ISSS (BC-ISSS), welcomed the speaker. Dr. Asit Mandal, Secretary, BC-ISSS, introduced the Dr. N. P. Datta Memorial Lecture series, and Dr. N. K. Lenka, Vice-President, BC-ISSS, presented a brief profile of the invited speaker. Dr. Mohanty highlighted Dr. Rao’s prolific contributions to soil science research, education and extension, and his leadership in translating science into farmer-centric solutions, particularly for small and marginal farmers.

Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao delivered lecture on “Emerging Opportunities of Soil Science Education in India”. He stressed upon the new dimensions of soil science research, highlighting new insights about the role of soil science education in creating innovation related to application of soil science and career development. He informed that emerging opportunities in soil science education in India are vast and driven by the need for sustainable soil management to ensure food security and soil health sustainability. To leverage these opportunities, it is essential to focus on modernising curricula, fostering interdisciplinary strategies, investing in research, embedding soil curriculum in school education, promoting a multi-stakeholder approach, managing soil pollution, developing entrepreneurship, soil policy, and urban agriculture. 

This program provided an opportunity for participants to enlighten their knowledge in the soil science education and related fields. It was a highly motivational lecture that sparked the interest of students and faculty in emerging areas of soil science research and education. The programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Dhiraj Kumar, Treasurer, Bhopal Chapter of ISSS.