Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on 23rd August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary
The ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur, celebrated its Golden Jubilee Foundation Day on August 23, 2026, marking 50 years of service. The event highlighted the Bureau’s contributions to soil resource mapping and land use planning while setting future priorities to address modern agricultural challenges. Key directives included the establishment of a Centre of Excellence and the development of advanced soil database systems.
Key Points / Main Content
Institutional Milestones and Contributions
The Bureau celebrated 50 years of establishment (1976–2026), focusing on its role in soil information generation and resource mapping.
Developed soil databases and information systems that serve as a foundation for crop improvement, agricultural development, and decision-support systems.
Future Strategic Initiatives
Centre of Excellence: A proposal was made to establish a Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Land Use Planning to address emerging agricultural challenges.
Technological Advancement: The Bureau is tasked with developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for contactless soil analysis.
National Resource Management: Recommendations were made to work toward the reconstitution of the country’s agro-climatic zones.
Data Integration: Development of an interoperable soil database is required to benefit agriculture and allied sectors.
Sustainable Agriculture and Policy
Emphasis was placed on adopting a futuristic approach to soil health and land resource management.
The Bureau’s work is aligning with changing national priorities to support modern agriculture and sustainability.
Impact Analysis
ICAR-NBSS&LUP (The Bureau)Impact
The Bureau is recognized as a critical institution for national agricultural planning but faces new mandates to modernize its methodologies and infrastructure.
Action Required
It must develop SOPs for contactless soil analysis, initiate the reconstitution of agro-climatic zones, and work toward establishing a Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Land Use Planning.
Agricultural Scientists and StaffImpact
Both current and retired personnel are acknowledged for five decades of scientific contribution, with current staff now tasked with addressing "changing needs and priorities of the nation."
Action Required
Researchers need to focus on developing interoperable soil databases and advancing scientific soil resource information.
Agriculture and Allied SectorsImpact
These sectors stand to benefit from improved decision-support systems, better soil health management, and more accurate agro-climatic data.
Action Required
Stakeholders in these sectors should prepare to integrate the Bureau's forthcoming interoperable soil databases into their agricultural practices and planning.
Key Entities Referenced
ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP): The primary national organization responsible for soil resource mapping, soil information generation, and land use planning, celebrating its Golden Jubilee.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): The apex body responsible for coordinating agricultural research and education in India, overseeing the NBSS&LUP.
Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE): The government department that provides the administrative and interface support for agricultural research and education initiatives.
Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Land Use Planning: A proposed initiative suggested by the Secretary of DARE to address emerging challenges and support modern agricultural practices.
Dr. M.L. Jat: Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, who highlighted the bureau's role in developing soil databases and set the vision for future land use planning.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
ICAR-NBSS&LUP, Nagpur Celebrates Golden
Jubilee Foundation Day
“ICAR-NBSS&LUP is progressing in the direction of the
nation’s needs” — Dr. M.L. Jat
प्रव तथ: 23 AUG 2026 9:45PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur, 23 August 2026:
The ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur, celebrated its
Golden Jubilee Foundation Day on 23 August 2026, commemorating 50 years of its establishment in its
present form in 1976. The landmark occasion celebrated five decades of the Bureau’s significant
contributions to soil resource mapping, soil information generation and land use planning in the country.
Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Director
General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, was the Chief Guest of the
programme. Dr. A.K. Nayak, Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), ICAR, New
Delhi, presided over the function, while Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Director General, Fertilizer Association of
India (FAI), was the Guest of Honour.
Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities of Maharashtra and former Deputy Directors General of
ICAR also graced the occasion. Around 250 participants, including present and retired scientists and staff
of ICAR-NBSS&LUP, delegates from other ICAR institutes and students, participated in the celebration.
While, addressing the gathering, Dr. M.L. Jat congratulated the Director and the entire NBSS&LUP
family on completing 50 years of dedicated service to the nation.
Appreciating the commendable work carried out by the Bureau, he highlighted the crucial role of ICAR-
NBSS&LUP in Soil Resource Mapping of India and land Use Planning. He emphasized that the soil
database and information systems developed by the Bureau constitute an important foundation for crop
improvement, agricultural development and decision support system-making. He further stressed the need
for a Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Land Use Planning to address emerging challenges and support
modern agriculture. He stated that the Bureau is progressing in the direction of the changing needs and
priorities of the nation.
Dr. A.K. Nayak emphasized the Bureau’s role in strengthening soil information and resource assessment.
He suggested that the Bureau should develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for contactless soil
analysis, work towards the reconstitution of agro-climatic zones of the country, and develop an
interoperable soil database for the benefit of agriculture and allied sectors.Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India, highlighted the importance of soil
survey and Pedology in promoting sustainable agriculture. He appreciated the contributions of ICAR-
NBSS&LUP and emphasized the need for the Bureau to adopt a futuristic approach and further strengthen
its role in addressing emerging challenges related to soil health, agricultural sustainability and land
resource management.
The Golden Jubilee celebration provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of past and
present scientists and staff and to reaffirm the Bureau’s commitment to advancing scientific soil resource
information and sustainable land use planning for the benefit of Indian agriculture.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. G.P. Obi Reddy..
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