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ICAR-IISS, Bhopal, Organised a National Conference on ‘Organic Waste Management for Food and Environmental Security’

during 8-10 Feb, 2018

Shri Vishwas Sarang ji, Hon’ble Minister of Co-operation, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation (Independent Charges), Panchayat and Rural Development, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and Chief Guest inaugurated a three-day National conference on “Organic Waste Management for Food and Environmental Security” on 8th February 2018. The conference was jointly organized by ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil Science, Nabibagh, Bhopal and Bhopal Chapter of Indian Society of Soil Science. In his inaugural address Hon’ble Minister said that ensuring food and environment security is of paramount importance on account of burgeoning population and limited natural resources. There is an emerging need to recycle organic residues to sustain soil resources for sustainable agricultural production and make the soil more resilient to prevent degradation. He emphasized this conference is an appropriate step towards natural resource management, realization the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and also for smooth functioning of ecosystem services. He also pointed that the deliberations by galaxy of soil scientists, researchers, students, farmers, industrialists and NGO’s will certainly bring out the improved knowledge and the state-of- art technologies in recycling of crop residues and solve mounting problem of municipal solid wastes management in the country.

Earlier, Dr S.S. Khanna, Former Vice Chancellor, Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Technology,

Faizabad and Advisor of erstwhile Planning Commission told that the disposal of untreated municipal wastes may contaminate the soil and water, while the burning of crop residues may lead to emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), global warming, lower biological activities of the soil, accelerating soil erosion and ultimately reducing the productivity of the soil. About 679 million tonnes of crop residues are produced in India but for the want of proper management, a large part of it (90-140 million tonne) is burnt out to clear the field. There is an urgent need for developing appropriate technologies to present burning of crop residues.

Dr A. K. Singh, Former Vice Chancellor, RVSKVV, Gwalior & Ex-DDG (ICAR) said more than 70%

population of India and of MP as such, residing in villages is dependent upon agriculture for livelihood with limited resources, meagre facilities and poor living standards. The residues emanating from agriculture crops are huge and

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important resource for improvement of soil carbon, nutrients, and resource use efficiency provided they are managed properly, reduced and reused scientifically.

Dr S.K. Chaudhari, Assistant Director General (S&WM), ICAR, New Delhi said the scientific treatment and

decomposition of these organic wastes may convert these resources worth useful for enhancing the productivity of soil resources. The NRM Division of the ICAR is making multiple efforts for recycling management of the crop residues for overall improvement of soil health through various research projects.

During the event, Dr A.K Patra, Chairman, Organising Committee & Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal briefed the achievements of the institute and also about different missions of the Government for soil health, Swachh Bharat and doubling farmers’ income, etc. He also pointed out that concerted efforts are required for organic waste management for overall improvement of soil health and environmental quality.

Earlier, Dr M.C. Manna, Organizing Secretary, President of Bhopal Chapter of ISSS and HoD (Soil

Biologgy) welcomed the delegates and briefed about the importance of this conference. Dr R.S Chaudhary, Co-organising Secretary and HoD (Soil Physics) proposed the vote of thanks for inaugural function.

During the conference, about 250 delegates participated. There were 6 technical sessions, where 26 lead and invited papers related to the themes of the Conference were presented. A Brainstorming Session on “Combating residue burning in agriculture” was also organised on 9th February 2018 which was chaired by Dr. M. Velayutham, Former Director of NBSS&LUP, Nagpur. During the Session, experts dealt with available technologies, researchable issues and policies for combating residue burning in agriculture. The Plenary Session on 10th February, 2018 was chaired by Dr. S.S. Khanna. Dr. M. Velayutham and Dr. C.L. Acharya, Former Director of ICAR-IISS were the Guests of Honour. The proceedings of different technical sessions were deliberated by the facilitators. Young Scientists were awarded for best oral and poster presentations. It was decided that a “Bhopal Declaration” for action plan will be prepared containing strategies for combating residue burning in agriculture and management of solid waste and waste water out of the deliberations made during the Brainstorming Session. Dr. M. Vassanda Coumar, Scientist (SS), ICAR-IISS, Bhopal proposed a formal vote of thanks during concluding session.

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