World Soil Day 2021 under the theme “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity” was held at the Directorate of Soil & Water Conservation on 5th December 2021.
Gracing the occasion as the Special Guest, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS said that since 70% of the farmers are engaged in agriculture activities depending on Agri& Allied activities and out of that 73% are dependent on jhum and shifting cultivation, not knowing the warnings about the safety of soil so he urged all to play the role in spreading the awareness about taking care of the soil by not misusing and overusing the same soil without any treatments, and letting them know that sick soil would not be able to yield crops as desired.
APC stated that the department of Soil & Water Conservation has been given the responsibility for soil heath management, where Soil Testing Laboratory for 12 district and 74 blocks are to be set up and two more Bio-fertilization are to be established. He also requested all Agri and Allied department to have discussions about the importance of soil and sent advisors to the farmers before their new cultivation. He also advised that with availability of water source, both animal and crop farming can be taken up side by side leading to development of the area which would further bring road connectivity and market for the produces. He also called upon the church members to spread awareness about the importance of soil in the churches.
Professor & Head, Dept. of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science SASRD, Nagaland University, Medziphema Dr. A.K. Singh who was the resource person in his power point presentation pointed out that World Soil Day is an international day celebrated to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil for sustainable management of soil resources and the day signify the importance of soil in our ecosystems
To achieve food security in the country, we need to focus on both area expansion under agriculture and rise in food production. In his power point presentation, he illustrated the Global Scenario of Soil Salinization, Area under Soil Degradation and the status of salt affected soils in India and also about Food Security in India through reclamation of Salt-Affected Soils.
The programme was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, Soil and Water Conservation and Geology and Mining, K. Libanthung Lotha, IAS, while welcome speech was delivered by Joint Director, Soil and Water Conservation, Denis Angami and vote of thanks by Deputy Director, Soil and Water Conservation, Rongsenlemzung.
A two minute silence was also observed in honour of the victims of the 4th December ambush in Mon district.
(Maongtemjen, IA)
