Soil Champions Honored: Professor Rattan Lal Awards Inaugurated in India

The inaugural Professor Rattan Lal Awards for Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture were launched on World Soil Day in Bhopal, India, honoring leaders in soil health. The awards commemorate the legacy of Professor Rattan Lal, a global advocate for sustainable agriculture, and celebrate exemplary contributions to regenerative farming across India.

In Bhopal, a major step towards promoting regenerative agriculture was taken with the inauguration of the Professor Rattan Lal Awards for Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture. This event, held on World Soil Day, aims to honor remarkable contributors to soil health and sustainable farming practices throughout India.

The newly instituted awards celebrate the legacy of Professor Rattan Lal, a distinguished soil scientist known worldwide for his dedication to improving soil carbon sequestration and promoting climate-resilient agriculture. The ceremony featured a virtual address from Professor Lal, highlighting the urgent need to restore soil health for food security and ecological balance.

Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Padma Shri Dr. M.H. Mehta for his significant impact in eco-agriculture. Thirteen other innovators, including representatives from various research institutes and organizations, were also recognized. This initiative by Solidaridad and ICAR–IISS underscores their commitment to advancing soil-first agricultural systems in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)