DIMAPUR — Joining the rest of the world in
focusing attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the
sustainable management of soil resources, Nagaland observed World Soil Day on
Thursday across the state.
Kohima: In Kohima, observing the day, Central Water
Commission (CWC) member AS Goel flagged off a van carrying the message of World
Soil Day at Hotel Jafü in the presence of the director of Soil and Water
Conservation (SWC), L Chubaonen.
On the occasion, Goel urged the people to remember the vital
role soil plays in sustaining life on Earth. He stated that it is the
responsibility of everyone to unite, commit to protecting, and nurturing the
soil for a healthier and more sustainable future.
The department highlighted that a total of 1,67,904 soil
health cards have been issued since 2019. It also distributed pamphlets at
various locations, including the Hornbill Festival in Kisama, High School
Junction, Razhü Point, Secretary Junction, PHQ Junction, and TCP Gate.
A separate World Soil Day programme was also conducted at
the conference hall of the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation.
Wokha: The District Soil Conservation Office, Wokha,
observed the day themed "Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage"
at Molunsu Community Hall in Wokha district.
According to an update, on the occasion, Yanpothung Jami,
soil conservation assistant (SCA), while delivering the welcome speech, briefed
the gathering on the significance of observing World Soil Day.
Pelebei U Kense, junior soil conservation officer (JSCO),
presented on the importance of soil health, sustainable farming practices, and
the role of soil conservation in combating climate change. He encouraged
farmers to adopt practices that ensure long-term soil health and productivity.
During the event, soil health cards were also distributed to
farmers, providing valuable insights into the nutrient status of their soils. A
total of 40 farmers, along with officials, participated in the event.
Zunheboto: The District Soil Conservation Office, Zunheboto,
celebrated the day at Litta New Village, Zunheboto, where T Yanshen Ezung,
JSCO, spoke on the theme.
He enlightened the farmers on the significance of World Soil
Day and stressed the importance of accurate soil data and information in
understanding soil characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on
sustainable soil management for food security.
Merentola, DSCO, informed the farmers about the benefits of
the soil health card and encouraged them to get their soil tested at the Soil
Testing Laboratory to obtain a proper soil health record for better soil
management practices.
A total of 25 farmers attended the programme, during which
soil health cards were also distributed.
Peren: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Peren, observed World
Soil Day-cum-training and input distribution programme as part of the
"Krishi Swaraj Samriddhi Week" celebration at Songlhuh village
community hall.
During the programme, Dr. KL Meena, principal scientist and
head, KVK Peren, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of soil
and water management in crop production. He also emphasised the practice of the
integrated farming system (IFS) approach for sustainable agricultural
practices.
Dr. Amit Kumar, subject matter specialist (SMS), Land Water
Management Engineering (LWME), spoke on the topic of water conservation and
harvesting during the rainy season and its subsequent use in vegetable
production during the lean season.
Z James Kikon, chief technical officer (CTO) of Soil
Science, spoke on the theme and importance of soil health management, soil
sample collection, and soil health cards. He also trained the farmers on
organic farming during the technical session.
Phek: KVK Phek, in collaboration with the Department of Soil
and Water Conservation, celebrated World Soil Day at KVK Phek, Porba.
The event was attended by Mhalo Humtsoe, additional deputy
commissioner (ADC), Pfutsero, as the chief guest.
Farmers from various villages, including Chizami, Sumi,
Khezakeno, Leshemi, Zapami, Kikruma, Pfutsero, and Porba, received soil health
cards. Agricultural inputs were also distributed.
Dr. T Esther Longkumer provided detailed guidance on
management strategies tailored to the farmers' specific soil health reports.
The event concluded with an interactive session.
An exhibition showcasing traditional varieties of
agricultural and horticultural crops was also organised, offering farmers
insights into agricultural technologies and best practices in the agri-allied
sectors.
Tuensang: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA),
Tuensang, in collaboration with the District Soil and Water Conservation
department and KVK Tuensang, organised a district-level training on the
importance of soil health cards, along with the celebration of World Soil Day,
at the ECS conference hall on Thursday.
During the programme, Dr. Toshimenla, DPD, ATMA, stressed
the importance of healthy soil for a healthy life. Dr. Alika N Zhimo, DSCO and
project director of ATMA, highlighted the significance of celebrating World
Soil Day and the soil health card.
Later in the programme, Samuel Sangtam, ACTO (Agro),
elucidated on soil health management for improving soil and thereby enhancing
its productivity and sustainability.
Later, soil health cards and leaflets were distributed to
the farmers. The programme was attended by 30 farmers from nine villages of the
Tuensang district.
