Vital Role of Healthy Soils in Agriculture emphasized

Solan. Dec 05 : To raise awareness about the crucial role healthy soils play in sustaining ecosystems, the Department of Soil Science and Water Management at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, marked World Soil Day at Kotla Panjola Panchayat. The theme for this year’s World Soil Day was ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage. On this occasion, university scientists, along with 25 MSc and doctoral students, engaged with local farmers, teaching them proper techniques for collecting representative soil samples from their fields. Discussions also covered the significance of soil nutrients, their impact on crop yield, and the importance of improving soil health through increased use of organic inputs. As part of the initiative, 75 soil samples were gathered from the farmer fields, which will be analyzed at the university. Based on the findings, tailored recommendations for soil management will be provided to the farmers. Students also visited the university farm, where they observed soil management practices and differences between natural farming, organic farming, and chemical farming.

In addition to the awareness camp focusing on soil health, the Department of Plant Pathology also organised an awareness camp on mushroom entrepreneurship on the occasion. Professor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university, was the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, Dr Uday Sharma, HOD Department of Soil Science and Water Management explained that World Soil Day, observed annually on 5 December, serves to highlight the importance of healthy soils and advocate for sustainable soil management. Reflecting on this year’s theme, he emphasized the need for accurate soil data and information to guide decision-making in sustainable soil management, which is essential for food security.

Dr Satish Sharma, HOD, Department of Plant Pathology, shared details of the university’s efforts to promote mushroom entrepreneurship in the village, particularly through the SC component of ICAR. The university has been supporting farmers in cultivating button and dhingri mushrooms, while also educating them on disease management in crops. Director of Research, Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, highlighted the university’s initiatives to foster biodiversity and ensure soil health through environmentally friendly farming methods, including natural farming and the promotion of bio-remedies for pest control.

In his address to the gathering of over 150 farmers, Professor Chandel urged farmers to recognize the critical importance of healthy soils, particularly in the context of climate change. He reflected on the Indian cultural reverence for the earth, often called ‘Mother Earth’, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect soils, as it directly impacts water, crops, and human health. He also encouraged the adoption of natural farming practices alongside modern agricultural technologies to improve farming and increase profits. Professor Chandel reassured the farmers of the university’s continued support in enhancing agricultural and horticultural practices in the panchayat.

The event was attended by Panchayat Pradhan Hemraj Kashyap, Uppradhan Balaram, panchayat representatives, university scientists, students and 150 farmers.