By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The state-level World Soil Day 2024 was observed at the Krushi Bhavan Auditorium in Bhubaneswar, with similar events being held at the district level as well. This year’s theme was “Caring for Soil: Measure, Monitor Manage.” The chief guest at the event was Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo. Other distinguished guests included Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee, Director of Agriculture Shri Prem Chandra Choudhary, and Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Shri Nikil Pawan Kalyan. Experienced farmers, agricultural experts, scientists, and students from across Odisha were also present at the event.
The relationship between Mother Earth, Soil, and Humanity has been deeply rooted, eternal, and timeless since ancient times. At present, climate change is a major global issue, and the monitoring, measurement, and proper management of soil health are critically important to maintain the soil’s health and productivity for generations to come. In this context, every year on December 5th, the World Soil Day is observed worldwide to remind us of our responsibility toward soil health.
Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo stated that, nowadays people use more fertilizers and pesticides to increase production and earn more profits. However, this is gradually deteriorating soil health and productivity, and in the long-term consumption of these vegetables with chemical fertilizers and pesticides is causing various diseases in humans such as cancer. Therefore, it is essential to take care of both human health and soil health. In this regard, he referred to Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as an exemplary farmer and advised the use of organic manure and fertilizers as an alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
A book titled “odishara Murtika Samasya ebong tara parichalana” authored by distinguished agricultural scientists Dr. Subodh Kumar Sahu and Dr. Rabindra Kumar Nayak, was also released during the event.
The principal secretary of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Dr. Arabind Kumar Padhee emphasized the importance of balanced fertilizer application and organic farming for maintaining soil health. He also provided three key recommendations for soil health management: preventing soil erosion, avoiding the unnecessary use of fertilizers, and practicing sustainable soil management. In recognition of her notable contributions to the conservation of traditional crops, the President Awarded Doctorate degree was conferred upon a custodian millet farmer Raimati Ghiuria from Odisha today.
Director Agriculture Shri Prem Chandra Choudhury delivered a welcome speech, presenting details regarding soil health management. Shri Nikil Pawan Kalyan, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Odisha, discussed the issues of soil degradation and its restoration in the state.
In the poster competition related to World Soil Day, winners such as Tikirani Das, Jagdish Majhi, and Shubashree Muduli were awarded. Similarly, the following individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to soil health: Sartuka Chandra Dehury from Angul, Shyamaghana Pradhan from Baragarh, Kishorikanta Rout from Jajpur, Nalini Patel from Jharsuguda, Brundaban Mallik from Kandhamal, Santosh Dharua from Sambalpur, and Amit Kumar Naik from Sundargarh.
Additionally, five farmers were given Soil Health Cards. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director of Agriculture, Shri Basanta Kumar Dey.
