Port Blair, Dec 06: Soil Salinization and sodification are major soil degradation processes threatening ecosystem and are recognized as being among the most important problems at a global level for agricultural production, food security and sustainability in arid and semi arid region. World Soil Day 2021 and its campaign ‘halt soil salinization , boost soil productivity “ aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization , increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health.
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair organized “World Soil Day 2021” at Tushnabad Panchayat community hall. Mr Mahadev Majhi, Ex. Pradhan – Collinpur Panchayat was the chief guest and Smti Marry Jashinta Ex. Pradhan Tushnabad Panchayat, Smti Kokila Ghos, Panchayat Secretary , Fr. Simonolin, Director Surabhi and Smti Udhay Kumari, Agriculture Officer was the guest of honour in the programme.
Mr Mahadev Majhi emphasized the farming community to use of more organic manure with minimum use of chemical fertilizers which helps to sustain productivity. Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Head KVK, enlightened importance of soil health improvement and importance of soil testing for plant nutrition and salinization issues in low-lying coastal areas during post rainy season. He further advice to grow salinity resistant crop varieties to enhance the productivity. Dr. N.Bommayasamy briefed about the influence of soil salinity in crop establishment and growth and ways to reduce salinity and boost agricultural productivity by adoption of new technologies. Dr. B.K.Nanda delivered on soil salinity affects on quality of irrigation and drinking water with serious economic, social environmental consequences for both urban and peri-urban areas. Dr, Pooja Kapoor and Smti Udhay Kumari, Agriculture Officer , UTATMA , Department of Agriculture elaborate role of women in enhancing productivity and profitability of crops and livestock and also demonstrate on soil sample collection and its processing. Mr. Thanmei Paul, proposed vote of thanks. A total of 43 numbers of farmers, farm women and rural youth were participated. The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
