Global Soils Conference 2024: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for Urgent Action on Soil Health

New Delhi: Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressing the Global Soils Conference 2024 via video conferencing, highlighted the profound importance of soil health in sustaining life and ensuring food security. Speaking at the event held in PUSA, New Delhi, he emphasized the need for collective global efforts to preserve soil fertility, a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and ecological balance.

Chouhan underscored the interconnectedness of all life, a principle deeply rooted in Indian culture. He remarked that soil is not merely an inanimate element but a living entity that sustains life. Drawing from ancient wisdom, he stated that the health of the soil directly affects the health of all living beings, emphasizing that the degradation of soil quality poses a significant threat to humanity.

Reflecting on India’s agricultural journey, Chouhan pointed out the remarkable progress made since independence. Once reliant on food imports, India now produces 330 million tonnes of food grains annually, contributing substantially to global food trade and generating $50 billion in export revenue. However, he cautioned that increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers, unsustainable agricultural practices, and climate variability have put immense pressure on the soil. He cited studies revealing that 30% of India’s soil has been degraded, with challenges such as soil erosion, salinity, and declining organic carbon levels affecting productivity and farmer livelihoods.

The Union Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the government to address these challenges. He spoke about the Soil Health Card Scheme, launched in 2015 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has provided over 220 million farmers with guidance on optimal fertilizer use. Efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana aim to ensure efficient water use and minimize nutrient wastage. Chouhan also noted the promotion of organic farming in Northeast India, which aligns with the goal of protecting biodiversity in ecologically sensitive regions, and the ongoing efforts to advance natural farming practices.

Chouhan emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between scientific research and farming practices. He acknowledged the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in collaboration with agricultural technology management agencies in equipping farmers with essential knowledge and skills. Announcing the upcoming Modern Agriculture Chaupal initiative, he explained that scientists would engage directly with farmers, providing real-time solutions and guidance to improve agricultural outcomes.

Addressing the global significance of soil health, the minister stated that soil erosion and degradation are matters of international concern tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. He urged participants to collaborate on scalable solutions for sustainable land management, which would benefit not only farmers but all of humanity and the natural environment.

Chouhan concluded by highlighting the vital role of farmers as stewards of the soil and called for empowering them with education and modern scientific tools. He encouraged youth and women researchers to lead innovations that address both local and global soil challenges.

The conference, attended by dignitaries such as Prof. Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE and Director General of ICAR, provided a platform for collaborative discussions on soil conservation and sustainable agriculture. Chouhan reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure resilient ecosystems and food security for all, calling for a collective pledge to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.