Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ri-Bhoi, in collaboration with the Soil Science Section of ICAR Research Complex, Umiam, celebrated World Soil Day 2021 with the theme ‘Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity’ today in Umiam.
The aim of the celebration was to create awareness and enhance knowledge on soil health, benefits of soil health cards, management of problematic soil, especially soil acidity and degradation for sustainability to enhance soil and crop productivity.
More than 50 farmers and 11 ICAR and KVK scientists along with staff of the NGO SACH, Nongpoh, participated in the programme.
The chief guest was VK Mishra, the director of ICAR, who elaborated on the importance of soil salinization and soil acidity on crop productivity and their management with the application of proper quantity of gypsum and lime in salt affected and acidic soils, respectively.
While the North East is largely free from soil salinity problems, soil acidity and erosion are matters of concern. He said that the soil should be considered as our mother and adequate measures should be taken to keep our mother healthy, which is needed for the survival of human beings. S Hazarika, principal scientist and head of the Division of System Research and Engineering (DSRE) at ICAR Umiam, highlighted the purpose and background of holding the event. He also urged the farmers to adopt soil test-based recommendations for increasing crop productivity as well as sustainability of soil health. He also highlighted the role of soil health cards (SHCs) in management of degraded soil.
Around 100 SHCs and critical inputs such as pea seed and biofertilizers were distributed among the farmers during the programme.
