Transforming Agriculture: National-Level Workshop on Basic Slag-Based Value Added Products (EcoLime+) for Acid Soil Management
Cuttack, February 4, 2025 – The ICAR-Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Cuttack, successfully organized a one-day national-level workshop and training program on “Acid Soil Management using Basic Slag-Based Value-Added Products.” The event was held under the project Economic and Environment-Friendly Utilization of Basic Slag and Fly Ash as Soil Amendments to Reclaim Acid Soils of Odisha (SAFAR): Waste to Wealth for Promoting Circular Economy (EAP 411), funded by the Government of Odisha.
The workshop brought together approximately 90 participants, including key officials from the State Government of Odisha, leading industry representatives from Tata Steel, Vedanta Pvt. Ltd., and RM Agrico, as well as startups, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and farmers from Angul, Dhenkanal, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Jajpur, and Cuttack.
The event was chaired by Honorable Director Dr. A.K. Nayak, ICAR-CRRI, and graced by esteemed guests including Shri Basanta K. Dey, JDA (Quality Control & Certification), Department of Agriculture, Odisha; Er. R. Priyadarshini, Regional Officer, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB); and Dr. Ashok K. Kar, Chief District Agriculture Officer (CDAO), Cuttack.
During the workshop, farmers received Soil Health Cards, straw decomposers (CR Composter), and EcoLime+, a value-added basic slag-based soil amendment. They also participated in awareness training on soil sampling, acid soil management, and the production of EcoLime+. A dedicated team of scientists engaged with farmers, addressing their queries and concerns.
Dr. Pratap Bhattacharya, Head of the Crop Production Division and Principal Investigator of the SAFAR project, emphasized the significance of utilizing value-added products of basic slag and fly ash as liming material and for enhancing soil health and promoting a sustainable yield. Dr. Nayak highlighted the importance of soil test-based nutrient application, compost utilization, and other sustainable soil management practices. Shri Basanta K. Dey underscored the large-scale impact of EcoLime+ in managing acid soils.
Industry representatives also shared their insights, Mr. Santosh Pattojoshi, Area Manager, Tata Steel (Dhenkanal), and Mr. Shanin N.S., Deputy Head, CSR, Vedanta Limited, discussing how fly ash and slag contribute to improving soil nutrient status. Mr. Arnob Sen, CEO of RM Agrico Pvt. Ltd., Dhenkanal, shared his experiences in EcoLime+ production, while Dr. Ashok K. Kar (CDAO) elaborated on the critical need for acid soil management.
Dr. P.C. Jena, Dr. Rubina Khanam, Dr Manish Debanath, Dr Tushar Ranjan Sahoo and Dr Dilip Sarangi Co-PIs organized the interactive and hands-on training sessions.
The workshop reinforced ICAR-CRRI’s commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, addressing soil degradation, and fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to ensure environmental safety and enhanced crop productivity.
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