Bhopal Launches Professor Rattan Lal Awards to Boost Regenerative Agriculture

On World Soil Day, Solidaridad and ICAR-IISS introduced the Professor Rattan Lal Awards in Bhopal to honor contributions to sustainable farming in India. The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr. M.H. Mehta. The event encourages innovations in soil health, inspired by Lal’s global legacy.

Bhopal, India, marked World Soil Day with the launch of the Professor Rattan Lal Awards for Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture, initiated by Solidaridad and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS). The awards aim to celebrate and inspire advances in soil health and sustainable farming practices across the nation.

Professor Rattan Lal, a distinguished soil scientist, participated virtually, underscoring the critical need for soil restoration for food security and climate stability. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Padma Shri Dr. M.H. Mehta, a pioneer in eco-agriculture. Thirteen others were recognized, highlighting innovations that drive soil regeneration and climate resilience.

Solidaridad's Managing Director, Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhyay, emphasized the awards' significance in promoting regenerative agriculture, honoring Lal's profound impact on soil science. Additional publications, including Dr. M.H. Mehta's book and a forthcoming tome on eminent women soil scientists, were also announced to further the discourse on sustainable agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)