Under one week Hands on training program on ‘Environmental Technology’, one day hands-on training on Soil Testing was organized by the Uttarakhand Science Education & Research Center (USERC), Dehradun at School of Agricultural Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University.The Chancellor of the University Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj conveyed his best wishes to the School of Agricultural Sciences for initiating such research based training programs.Addressing the students on this occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Yashveer Dewan said that the trained youth by such training programmes not only can develop their skill but also make their career in this field with protection of environment as well.

Addressing the workshop, Registrar of the University, Dr. Ajay Kumar Khanduri said that this type of practical workshop will lead to overall development of the students and the university will continue to organize such events. He also emphasized to include such aspects in research.Under the hands-on training programme, the participants were trained in soil testing by the Department of Soil Science. While addressing a one-week hands-on training program on Environmental Technology for the students of higher education, Professor (Dr.) Anita Rawat, Director, USERC said in her message that if the quality of the soil is good, then the quality of our crop will be good, which will improve human health as well as fulfill the need of food grains in the country. She also extended the need of environment protection through healthy soil.

On this occasion, program coordinator and Scientist, USERC Dr. Bhavatosh Sharma said that by using modern science and technology, the country is self-sufficient in terms of food grains and is also providing food grains to other countries of the world. This year has been declared as the "International Year of Miletus" by the efforts of the Government of India.Professor Priyanka Bankoti, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, SGRR University, said that the field of agricultural science is very important. She also addressed that today's youth not only can make their future in this field but also can generate employment to the others as well. Giving an expert lecture in the program, Dr. Anil Kumar Saxena, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, SGRR University, delivered a lecture on the subject of soil testing along with practical knowledge of Soil pH, organic carbon, nutrient analysis etc. to the students through hands on training. In the laboratory, the participants themselves practiced for preparing soil samples, analysis, interpretation of soil test results and recommendations

Dr. VK Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, SGRR University, shared information about various equipments used in the laboratory and he also highlighted their utility. Dr. JP Singh, Dr. Himanki Dabral, Mr. Ankur Sharma, Mr. Anirudh, and other teachers were present on this occasion. 15 trainees from various educational institutions of Champawat, Pithoragarh and Dehradun districts were receiving training in this weekly program of USERC. Students of School of Agricultural Sciences have also participated in this program with enthusiasm.