ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

ICAR- Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum celebrated World Soil Day 2025 as an interactive workshop on the theme: Healthy soil for Healthy Cities. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. C. George Thomas, Former Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the role of healthy soil in urban systems for the promotion of food security and sustainability. Aspects related to the shrinkage of land for agricultural production and potential of urban and peri - urban agriculture, nature based solutions for sustainable resource management were highlighted in the thematic lecture.

In his presidential address, Dr. G. Byju, Director, ICAR- CTCRI gave a thorough discourse on the role of healthy soils for cleaner environment and ecosystem viability, highlighting the role of soil over and above as a medium for plant growth.

Dr. G. Suja, Head, Division of Crop production in her special address elaborated the effects of soil and environmental pollution and their mitigation strategies such as bio remediation techniques with the inclusion of microbes. The programme was attended by staff members and school students. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. Jeena Mathew,Senior Scientist, Dr.J.Sureshkumar, Scientist and Dr. V.Ramesh, Principal Scientist