The World Soil Day programme was celebrated on 5 December, 2016 by ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur. The main objective of the programme was to create awareness among farmers about maintaining soil health and conservation agriculture practices. The occasion was marked by the presence of 50 progressive farmers from four localities - Mandla, Narsinghpur, Seoni and Katni district of Madhya Pradesh. Around 30 Scientists & technicals from the various states including ICAR-DWR also attended the programme.

The Chief Guest of the program was Dr. G. P. Gupta, Ex-Professor (Soil Science) & Ex-Director Research Services JNKVV Jabalpur. He highlighted on precision agriculture and stressed on need of taking cautions while taking the soil samples from field for the soil testing. Dr. P.K. Singh (Director Incharge) expressed importance of soil organic carbon in the soil and suggested the necessary measures including conservation agriculture to maintain the soil health. Dr. R. P. Dubey, PS (Agronomy) delivered lecture on organic agriculture. Dr. P.J. Khankhane emphasized on the objectives of soil testing.

On the occasion Dr. Akash Mishra, Junior Residue Chemist, AAU Anand explained the importance of soil testing in relation to deteriorating status of soil health. Mrs. Rachna Deshmukh, ICAR-CICR Nagpur discussed the importance of preparation of soil health card and fertilizer recommendation. Dr. V.R. Bajaya, Assistant Prof, Jammu told about various measures to improve the soil health. Farmers from different localities of M.P. also shared their feedback over soil health cards distributed by ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur in last year. The program was ended with vote of thanks given by Dr. Yogita Gharde.