DG ICFRE launches forest soil health cards for J&K

Jammu, Aug 22:  Jammu’s Forest Information Centre hosted a one-day capacity-building programme for Forest Range Officers and frontline staff of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department on Friday.The programme was inaugurated by Kanchan Devi, Director General of the Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The training focused on enhancing officials’ knowledge of Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management Practices and forest ecosystem management.In her address, Devi highlighted the significance of Forest Soil Health Cards, which have been prepared for all territorial forest divisions in J&K under a government initiative. She urged field officers to use these cards to guide afforestation and plantation activities by considering soil health parameters, stressing the crucial link between vegetation and soil health for forest productivity and ecosystem stability.She explained that forest soils differ from agricultural soils and require separate assessment, leading ICFRE to undertake a comprehensive study on forest soils nationwide under the CAMPA Scheme, marking a pioneering effort in forestry to assess and manage degraded forest areas based on nutrient status.Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF of J&K, expressed gratitude for the completion of the Forest Soil Health Cards and advised officers to utilise these tools for improving nursery stock and successful afforestation. He highlighted the importance of soil health assessment amidst increasing environmental stresses and emphasised research organisations like ICFRE and HFRI’s vital role in providing critical data for resource management.Dr Sandeep Sharma, Director of Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, shared that the institute had collected and analysed soil samples from various forest divisions in J&K following standardised protocols. He explained that the samples, chosen using GIS and remote sensing tools, formed part of a broader effort to equip field staff with practical knowledge and tools to utilise the Forest Soil Health Cards effectively.During the technical sessions, scientists from HFRI and FRI, Dehradun, explained the methodology behind the Soil Health Cards, including sample collection, analysis, and the nationwide implementation process. The programme was attended by over 100 officers, both in person and virtually, including senior officials like PCCFs and forest officers. The event concluded with the official release of the Forest Soil Health Cards for J&K, fostering discussions and clarifying doubts among participants.