In commemoration of World Soil Day under the theme “ Soils: Where food begins”, the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Mokokchung, and KVK, Mokokchung along with the Agriculture Department and villagers of Khar observed World Soil Day on 5th December 2022 at Khar village under Mokokchung district.
The programme was led by Dr. Keviletsu Khate, Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK, Mokokchung as chairperson. Dr. Khate while conveying a welcome speech briefed the participants on the significance of observing world soil day where it aims to create awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, increasing soil awareness, and encouraging societies to improve soil health. In his keynote address District Soil Conservation Officer, Mokokchung, Ruokuosietuo Dzuvichu delivered that World Soil Day is observed annually on 5th December ever since it was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002, as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
Over the years, soil degradation is posing a serious threat to food security and environmental quality that is caused by unsustainable agricultural practices, rapid urbanization, industrialization, commercial pollution, overgrazing, and long–term climate changes.
He mentioned that it is easy to destroy soil and its fertility within a short time but very difficult to regain them back to normal which will take 200-400 years to form 1cm of soil. From this perspective, it has become imperative for all mankind to understand the importance of soil and take an individual and social responsibility to nurture them. Protection and conservation of natural resources particularly the soil resource are of paramount importance for achieving overall sustainability and productivity as the soil is the only medium from where food begins. The exhortation was delivered by Khar Village council Chairman Sashikaba.
Topic on the importance of soil testing and Soil Health Card and proper management of soil with the use of organic manures and biofertilizers was delivered by Yimkum Kichu, AO, Agriculture department, Mokokchung. Powerpoint on the production and application of various organic manures was presented by Imtisenla. ACTO Agronomy, KVK, Mokokchung. While, presentation on the importance of Agromet from the perspective of agriculture was delivered by N. Walling, SMS, Agromet, KVK, Mokokchung. Further, a demonstration of soil sample collection and geo-tagging was conducted by Opangtemsu, SCA. After the interactive session, the village numbering 120 farmers was distributed with organic manures and biofertilizers. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Moainla Longkumer, Programme Assistant, KVK, Mokokchung.
(DIPR)
