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HomePosts Tagged "Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN)"
Agro Universities, India, People, Soil Health

Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), the first regional network established within Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), has set a precedent for other regions by grouping soil laboratories into regional networks.

The 8th Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) meeting, held in the Philippines from 15-19 July, brought together distinguished dignitaries, scientists, and SEALNET members from across the globe. Virtual participants from different geographies also attended the event. ICRISAT Scientist Dr Pushpajeet Lokpal Choudhari, Chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network, had the honour of delivering the opening address.

SEALNET, the first regional network established within Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), has set a precedent for other regions by grouping soil laboratories into regional networks. The initiative aims to harmonize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), foster connections among Asian soil laboratories, and advance collective efforts towards sustainable soil health.

Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, commended SEALNET’s initiative and their commitment to continue working together, inspiring one another, and making significant strides towards a sustainable and healthy future for our soils.

Currently, SEALNET connects approximately 150 registered laboratories, a testament to the commitment of its members and the dedicated efforts of the SEALNET Steering Committee over the years.

At the inaugural session held on 15 July 2024, Mr Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines, and Mr Lifeng Li, Director of the FAO Land and Water Division, were the guest speakers. The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Francisco P Tiu-Laurel Jr., Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Philippines.

After years of virtual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this in-person gathering marked a significant opportunity to strengthen relationships among laboratories and countries and to define a sustainable work plan for the coming years. All focal points were called on to encourage regional laboratories to join SEALNET and participate in regional proficiency testing.

“By joining this initiative, members will contribute to collective goals and benefit from shared resources, expertise, and collaborative opportunities. Together, we can generate quality data to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in soil health management,” said Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari.

Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), the first

Agro Universities, India, People, R&D, Soil Health

In his new role, Dr Choudhari will represent the network in meetings and webinars organised by the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the Center of Excellence for Soil Research in Asia (CESRA).

Dr Pushpajeet L Choudhari, Manager at the Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory at ICRISAT, has been elected as the Chair of FAO’s Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET) for 2023-2025.The appointment underscores ICRISAT’s experience in connecting global institutes with Asia’s National Agricultural Research Systems paving the way for enhanced soil health.

The election took place during the 7th SEALNET meeting, conducted virtually on 19 and 20 September 2023, under the leadership of Filippo Benedetti, Secretariat at the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the participation of approximately one hundred representatives from various countries.

In extending her congratulations to Dr Choudhari, Director General of ICRISAT Dr Jacqueline Hughes emphasized the significance of the appointment for fortifying regional food systems across Asia.

“The quality and health of soil are foundational to strong food systems as they directly impact the growth, yield, and nutritional content of crops.”This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable soil management practices, and we look forward to working with the FAO and other partners in this endeavour,” said Dr. Hughes.

Dr ML Jat, the Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, stressed the importance of uniform soil laboratory methods in propelling SEALNET’s objectives. “Drawing on ICRISAT’s wealth of experience and expertise in soil, Dr. Choudhari’s leadership seamlessly aligns with SEALNET’s vision, with a focus on both standardizing soil laboratory methods and fostering informed decision-making,” said Dr Jat.

Working closely with Vice-Chair Professor Derrick Yuk Fo Lai, Associate Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the regional steering committee, GLOSOLAN leadership, and coordinators, Dr Choudhari plans to encourage registration of regional soil laboratories.

Simultaneously, he plans to support working groups in harmonizing targeted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Speaking at a recent event hosted by GLOSOLAN and CESRA, Dr Choudhari highlighted the growth of SEALNET’s membership, now with 140 labs from 19 countries registering since its inception in 2017. He also stated that SEALNET proficiency testing for 2023 will be led by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management, Philippines (BSWM), and shared details on testing methods for targeted soil parameters.

He also shared that SEALNET plans to have technical experts pilot the Asian Soil Health Action Framework. This initiative aims to make it easier for countries to report on soil health in the region. It will ensure that data can be compared by creating national action plans within a common regional framework.

“We are committed to enhancing soil laboratory capacity in Asia and supporting the development of soil health policies and programs” concluded Dr Choudhari.

In his new role, Dr Choudhari will