Breif Profile

Dr. Sanjay Swami obtained Ph.D. in the field of Soil Science from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. After Ph.D., he took up a research position at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal and then served Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu as Assistant Professor and subsequently as Senior Scientist & Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Presently, Dr. Swami is Professor in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Barapani, Meghalaya under Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Apart from teaching postgraduate students, he is an active researcher in the field of conservation and management of natural resources, especially soil and water conservation in the Indian Himalayan Region for more than 18 years. He handled 7 externally funded projects and contributed over 150 research papers in various journals of international repute. He has also to his credit 18 standard books and more than 50 book chapters. He has guided/guiding 5 Ph.D. and 15 M.Sc. scholars, attended more than 25 international conferences, presented research papers and won many prestigious awards viz. SCSI Gold Medal Award, SCSI Leadership Award, Young Scientist Award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, Global Scientist Award, Outstanding Eminent Scientist Award, Established Teacher in Soil Science Award, etc. He holds the prestigious position of National Fellow of the Soil Conservation Society of India and actively serving as the Chairman of Meghalaya State Chapter of the Soil Conservation Society of India. He is Fellow of the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC), International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal; Mentor for Interns of the Indian Knowledge System, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Associate Fellow at UGC-Inter University Center at Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Niwas, Shimla, India; the Ambassador of the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; and Member of the International Advisory Council of The Grassroots Institute, Montreal, Canada. He is also the expert for the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) National Meritorious Invention Awards in three categories, the National Innovation Award, the National Societal Innovation Award, and the National Budding Innovators Award under the Programme for Inspiring Inventors and Innovators (PIII), a DSIR Grants-in-aid Programme to encourage inventive talent in India. His Excellency, The President of India and the Visitor of Manipur University nominated him as a Member of the Fifth Court of Manipur University for a term of three years.

Summary:

Various indigenous farming systems with in-built eco-friendly practices exist among the tribal farmers, especially among the tribes of North East Hill (NEH) region of India. Zabo farming system is one of the important farming systems practiced by the Naga tribe in Nagaland. However, with the passage of time, sustainability of Zabo systems became an important issue due to declining soil fertility. Maintaining and enhancing soil health is crucial to sustaining agricultural productivity. Soil Quality Index (SQI) helps to assess the soil fertility of a given site or ecosystem. The proposed work aims at developing soil quality index of Zabo farming system and creating awareness among Naga tribal farmers about improving soil health. To achieve this, soil samples from 10 selected villages of Phek district in Nagaland where Zabo farming system is in practice, will be collected. The composite samples will be drawn from hill top (natural forest), terrace and valley region of each Zabo farming system with two soil depths (0-15 and 15-30 cm) making a total of 60 samples. These samples will be analyzed for physico-chemical properties; and then soil quality index will be developed using standard SQI formula. Thereafter, awareness will be created among Zabo farmers through various modules about soil health and improvement options.

Main Objectives of Project:

• To determine the soil physico-chemical properties under Zabo farming system
• To develop soil quality index of Zabo farming system
• To create awareness among Naga tribal farmers about improving soil health in Zabo farming system

Main Activities of Project:

• Collection of soil samples from the selected 10 Zabo farming system sites.
• Analysis of physico-chemical properties of the collected soil samples.
• Developing soil quality index and grassroots advocacy for improving soil health in the Zabo farming system.

Outline of Prospective Projects:

Project-1

Project-2

Project-3