VARANASI, India (3 November 2026)—The Plant and Soil Laboratory at the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), Varanasi, has officially become a member of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), effective 7 October 2026.

The membership creates opportunities for the laboratory to exchange technical knowledge with soil laboratories worldwide and align its analytical practices with internationally harmonized methods. These efforts can help improve the consistency and reliability of soil data used in agricultural research.

“Membership in the GLOSOLAN network creates a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections to our National Reference Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, while opening up new opportunities to contribute to the establishment of globally harmonized standards for soil testing and laboratory proficiency,” said Dr. Anthony Fulford, Senior Scientist at IRRI and Head of the Plant and Soil Laboratory at ISARC.

Dr. Debabrata Nath, Soil Scientist at IRRI, said, “The true value of soil data lies not simply in what we measure, but in how confidently that knowledge can guide decisions. Our membership in GLOSOLAN network marks an important opportunity to connect regional soil science with global analytical standards, strengthening the foundation for sustainable soil management in rice-based agroecosystems.”

GLOSOLAN was officially launched in November 2017 under the framework of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The network aims to harmonize soil laboratory measurements and analytical data and support the implementation of the GSP Action Framework 2022–2030.

For ISARC, participation in GLOSOLAN provides a platform to learn from international laboratory practices and contribute to global efforts to improve soil analysis. More consistent soil data can help researchers better assess soil conditions, support evidence-based crop management, and inform research on sustainable rice production.

The membership strengthens IRRI’s engagement with the global soil science community and creates opportunities to enhance the laboratory’s contribution to agricultural research in South Asia.