9 months ago
First Professor Rattan Lal Awards Honors Soil Health Champions
On World Soil Day, December 6, Solidaridad and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS) started a new award called the Professor Rattan Lal Awards.
This award honors people who have done great work in taking care of the soil and farming in a way that is good for the environment.
Professor Rattan Lal, a famous soil scientist, joined the event from the United States.
The first lifetime achievement award went to Dr. M.H. Mehta for his many years of work in eco-agriculture.
Thirteen other people and groups were also recognized for their innovative work.
Two books were unveiled, and a new book about women soil scientists will be released soon.
This award is a way to remember Professor Lal's important work and to encourage more people to take care of our soils.
Solidaridad and IISS launched the first-ever Professor Rattan Lal Awards on World Soil Day in Bhopal, India.
The awards honor contributions to soil health and sustainable farming, celebrating Professor Rattan Lal's legacy.
Padma Shri Dr. M.H. Mehta received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in eco-agriculture.
Thirteen other awardees were recognized for their innovations and impact in regenerative agriculture.
Two books were unveiled, and a Coffee Table Book featuring 20 women soil scientists will be released on International Women's Day.
- Who
- Solidaridad, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), and various awardees
- What
- Inaugural Professor Rattan Lal Awards for Excellence in Regenerative Agriculture
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- When
- December 6, on World Soil Day
- Why
- To honor contributions to soil health and sustainable farming, and to celebrate the legacy of Professor Rattan Lal
Key facts
- Event
- Inaugural Professor Rattan Lal Awards
- Date
- December 6
- Location
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Organizers
- Solidaridad and ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS)
- Lifetime Achievement Awardee
- Padma Shri Dr. M.H. Mehta
- Other Awardees
- 13 individuals and organizations
- Books Unveiled
- Two books: 'An Ounce of Actions' and Hindi edition of 'ABC of Regenerative Agriculture'
- Upcoming Publication
- Coffee Table Book featuring 20 women soil scientists
Quotes
Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay
Managing Director, Solidaridad Asia
“Professor Rattan Lal has been our deepest inspiration as far as soil health is concerned. In our commitment to advance regenerative agriculture, Solidaridad has initiated these awards to honour his unparalleled contribution to global soil science. Today, we celebrate champions who are rebuilding soils, empowering farmers, and shaping a climate-resilient future for India.”
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Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty
Director, IISS
“Launching these awards on World Soil Day holds great significance. The event has brought together innovators who are truly transforming India’s soil and farming systems. Their achievements reflect the spirit of Professor Lal’s vision–scientific, scalable, and deeply rooted in farmer welfare. IISS is proud to partner with Solidaridad in recognising such impactful work.”
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Dr. Suresh Motwani
General Manager, Solidaridad
“World Soil Day is the most meaningful moment to launch this award. Our long association with Professor Rattan Lal has continually inspired our work on soil health, and this initiative is a tribute to his remarkable legacy. Through these awards, we hope to motivate the next generation and drive real, community-level transformation in restoring and protecting our soils.”
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