ICAR-NBSS&LUP partners with Coromandel International to enhance crop productivity in Maharashtra

The ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey & Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), based in Nagpur, has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coromandel International Limited (CIL), a leading manufacturer of fertilizers, crop protection chemicals, and specialty nutrient products. Signed on June 13, 2024, this partnership is set to revolutionize soil health and crop productivity in Maharashtra, particularly targeting the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.

The collaboration aims to utilize soil test-based datasets from NBSS&LUP and integrate them with Coromandel’s advanced nutritional management solutions to promote better soil health and enhance crop productivity. This initiative is expected to bring significant benefits to the farming community by providing tailored advisories and site-specific nutrient management recommendations.

During the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. N.G. Patil, Director of ICAR-NBSS&LUP, outlined the bureau’s mandate and its activities across five regional centers, emphasizing a developmental approach focused on delivering precise farming advisories based on detailed soil data from the Land Resource Inventory (LRI). Mr. Sankarasubramanian S, Executive Director of Nutrient Business at Coromandel International, stressed the importance of balanced nutrition management and expressed hopes for expanding this initiative throughout Maharashtra and beyond.

The partnership is set to foster enhanced coordination, research exchange, and comprehensive support for the agricultural sector. It includes the development of Decision Support Systems (DSS) through mobile applications, which will assist farmers in making informed decisions about crop choices and nutrient management. The initiative also plans to conduct site-specific nutrition demonstrations and farmer awareness programs to directly engage and educate the agricultural community.

In addition to traditional soil and nutrient management, the partnership will explore innovative agricultural practices, including drone-based research for precision agriculture, carbon farming, and climate-smart agriculture. These forward-thinking initiatives are aimed at tackling common scientific and farmer-centric challenges, enhancing the sustainability and productivity of agriculture in the region.

The signing event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hrittick Biswas, Head of the Land Use Planning Division at ICAR-NBSS&LUP, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration aimed at transforming agricultural practices in Maharashtra.