Patna: A three-day national conference focusing on soil health and sustainable agriculture opened on Wednesday at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, bringing together scientists, academics and researchers from across India to examine how farming systems can adapt to climate change and growing environmental stress. The event, running from February 18 to 20, 2026, is jointly organised with the Academy of Natural Resource Conservation and Management and centres on resource conservation-based agriculture as a pathway to environmental stability.
In the opening session, organising secretary Dr Anshuman Kohli warned that land degradation, changing rainfall patterns and increasing pressure on natural resources demand a renewed focus on soil health. Speakers argued that sustainable soil management is essential not only for maintaining crop productivity but also for safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring food security in the long term. The discussion reflected growing concern within the agricultural community over balancing production needs with ecological responsibility.
Addressing delegates, Dr A.K. Singh, president of the Academy of Natural Resource Conservation and Management, emphasised collaboration between institutions and wider adoption of conservation technologies. A multimedia presentation titled Safarnama showcased the university’s research outreach, highlighting efforts to transfer innovations directly to farmers. Conference publications, including an abstract book and souvenir, were also released during the inaugural event.
The chief guest, Dr Biswapati Mondal, former vice-chancellor of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, stressed the importance of building resilience into agricultural systems, arguing that soil and farming practices must remain productive despite intensifying climate challenges. Similar themes were echoed by Dr D.K. Sharma, former director of the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, who highlighted the role of soil reclamation and salinity management in sustainable development.
The keynote lecture, delivered online by Dr Himanshu Pathak, director general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, linked soil health with climate-smart agriculture and carbon sequestration, urging policymakers and researchers to see soil as a central pillar of climate action. University vice-chancellor Dr D.R. Singh reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing soil science research and extending practical, farmer-friendly technologies to the field.
Among the guests was farmer-entrepreneur Dr Rajaram Tripathi from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, who spoke about the business potential of sustainable agriculture and the importance of monitoring soil health through modern farming methods. The conference will continue over the next two days with technical sessions and expert discussions aimed at shaping strategies for resilient agriculture and environmental sustainability.
