Shillong, Dec 5: ICAR-KVK (Indian Council of Agricultural Research- Krishi Vigyan Kendra) units across Meghalaya celebrated World Soil Day today by organising events for farmers and citizens to raise awareness about soil health and sustainable practices.
In Ri Bhoi, the day was celebrated at Mawlein-Mawkhan village under Umsning block under the theme, ‘Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,’ which was attended by about 50 farmers and officials.
Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science) Dr Popiha Bordoloi spoke about the importance of World Soil Day and elaborated about the importance of soil health cards, soil acidity and lime application in acidic soil for getting higher crop yield, management of soil degradation, which are the major problems faced by farmers of the district.
Jessica Dohtdong (PA, Home Science) talked about the importance of soil health for healthy life and healthy people.
A farmers-scientist interaction programme was held and agri-inputs were distributed to the farmers.
In West Garo Hills, the programme was addressed by Dr. Joyoshree Mahanta, SMS (Plant Pathology), who emphasised the vital role of soil in sustaining agricultural productivity and discussed practical strategies for maintaining soil health at the farm level.
Dr. Tarun Kumar Das, In-charge Senior Scientist and Head elaborated on the reasons behind declining crop productivity as a result of soil degradation and pollution. He explained how continuous misuse of soil resources reduces its productive capacity and outlined key measures for soil regeneration and restoration.
A hands-on training session by Dr. N. Arunkumar Singh was conducted where farmers were educated on essential soil nutrients, soil health card and scientific soil sampling techniques for effective soil testing and management.
In South Garo Hills, a programme was held at Dagal Gopgre, which was inaugurated by Dr. Athokpam Haribhushan, Principal Scientist and Head.
As part of the observance, Dr. Amarjit Karam, Programme Assistant (Lab Technician), delivered a lecture on the need to keep soil healthy and conducted a demonstration on proper soil sample collection techniques. Vegetable seeds were also distributed to participating farmers as farming inputs.
Soil Health Cards were distributed to all participants, provided by the District & Local Research Station & Laboratories, West Garo Hills, Tura.
