International Conference on Soil Health and Plant Nutrition
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CHAIRMAN
Organising Committee

Uday Shankar Jha

ICFA Working Group on Fertilisers

Productivity of agriculture is vastly determined by the soil health and the soil nutrient status. A healthy soil ensures healthy plant stand and yield. Even the quality of yield is determined by the health status of soils. Balanced application of fertilizers is important for better crop productivity and yield. The green revolution period in Indian agriculture saw use of chemical fertilizers which tripled the yields of Indian agriculture. However, the indiscriminate use of fertilizers, over and above the requisite amount has led to an imbalance in the levels of soil nutrients.

The loss of three major plant nutrients – Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash – is usually made up, albeit partially, with fertilizers. But, the depletion of equally essential micronutrients, numbering over a dozen, is often not taken care of. Consequently, the deficiency of micronutrients like Sulphur, Zinc, Boron, Iron, Molybdenum and Manganese has been noticed in soils on a wide scale. A majority of the soils in India thus are deficient in secondary nutrients and micronutrients vital for both plant and human health. A study conducted by the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS has found that the soils of as many as 174 districts across 13 states were deficient in secondary nutrients like Sulphur and micronutrients like Zinc, Boron, Iron, Manganese and Copper. Most of the arable lands across the country show low levels of organic carbon with deficiencies ranging from 11% to 76%. The total “negative nutrient balance” is estimated at a staggering 8 to 10 million tonnes a year. And it is set to reach around 15 million tonnes by 2025. International Conference on Soil Health and Plant Nutrition organized by ICFA therefore holds key in pooling ideas to improve the soil nutrient status and plant health.

Objectives

The Conference aims at achieving the following specific objectives:

  • To provide a global platform to the industry, institutions and States to showcase the potential, achievements and opportunities and what they can offer
  • To discuss the research and technology interventions happening globally and locally and their application in Indian context through national and global partnerships and collaborations
  • To discuss the problems faced by farmers in India and globally, the issue of access and equity in technologies, policy and the challenges
  • To provide platform for exploring opportunities for business and investments, technical and marketing collaborations, exports and partnerships and signing of MoUs
  • To discuss the policy, trade, technology, and investments perspectives on national and global level

26 Oct, 2018, IARI Fair Ground, New Delhi

Lunch
= 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Inaugural Session
= 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Economic outlook, policy environment and subsidies
= 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tea Break
= 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Global trade outlook towards ensuring stable pricing and - sustain able supply
= 5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Custom plant nutrition solutions - The future?
= 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm
Conclusion and valediction
= 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm