Bhubaneswar: The state-level observance of World Soil Day 2024 was held at the Krushi Bhavan Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, with the theme, “Caring for Soil: Measure, Monitor, Manage.” Similar events were organized across districts in Odisha to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and sustainable farming practices. The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee, Director of Agriculture Prem Chandra Choudhary, and Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Nikil Pawan Kalyan. Experienced farmers, agricultural experts, scientists, and students from across the state also participated in the program.
Speaking on the occasion, Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo emphasized the critical need to balance agricultural productivity with the preservation of soil health. He highlighted the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as a growing concern, warning that their excessive use not only deteriorates soil quality but also poses significant health risks to humans, including diseases such as cancer. He urged farmers to adopt organic alternatives and sustainable farming practices to protect both soil and human health. Singhdeo also referred to Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as an inspiring example of an organic farming advocate.
During the event, a book titled “Odishara Murtika Samasya ebong tara Parichalana” (Odisha’s Soil Challenges and Their Management), authored by agricultural scientists Dr. Subodh Kumar Sahu and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Nayak, was unveiled. The book provides insights into the challenges of soil management in Odisha and practical solutions to address them.
Principal Secretary Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee underscored the importance of sustainable soil management practices to combat soil degradation. He suggested measures such as preventing soil erosion, minimizing unnecessary fertilizer use, and promoting organic farming to ensure soil health is preserved for future generations. He also honored Raimati Ghiuria, a millet farmer from Odisha, with a President Awarded Doctorate Degree for her remarkable efforts in conserving traditional crops.
The event also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to soil health management. Farmers from various districts were felicitated for their innovative practices in soil conservation. Additionally, winners of a poster competition on the theme of World Soil Day were awarded for their creativity. Five farmers were also presented with Soil Health Cards, a tool designed to help them monitor and manage soil conditions effectively.
Nikil Pawan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, addressed the pressing issues of soil degradation in the state and outlined strategies for its restoration. He stressed the importance of collaboration between farmers, scientists, and policymakers to achieve sustainable agricultural goals.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Director of Agriculture Basanta Kumar Dey. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding soil health and encouraged all stakeholders to work together in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices.
World Soil Day served as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness between soil health, climate resilience, and human well-being. It called for collective action to address the challenges posed by soil degradation and emphasized the role of sustainable practices in securing a healthier future for all.