World Soil Day observed

Our Correspondent
CHD/THB, Dec 5: As observed across the Globe, World Soil Day (WSD) was also celebrated in the state on Sunday with the theme, "Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity".
CHANDEL
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Chandel observed World Soil Day at its Conference Hall to raise awareness on the need to maintain not only healthy ecosystems but also mental and physical well-being of human society by addressing the ever-increasing challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization issues, increasing soil health awareness and mobilising all sections of society to do their bit in improving soil health.
The programme was attended by Naoram Pritam Singh, SDO, Chandel; and Kshetrimayum Prava Devi, District Horticulture Officer, Chandel as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Sonamani Singh, SMS (SWCE), KVK, Chandel, highlighted the environmental concerns and views shared widely in the global platform.
"The very word “human” is linked to the Latin word “humus” which means ground or soil. So, without humus, human life is unsustainable", he said.
Dr K Sonamani mentioned that the day is specially marked as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
"Farming in the district of Chandel though almost organic by default still faces the threat of serious soil damage due to the unaccounted deforestation especially in the areas where shifting cultivation is the norm. Water depletion is visible but soil erosion is less dramatically apparent", he asserted.
Kshetrimayum Prava Devi extolled the farmers to undertake both use and production of organic manure in their own domestic level by segregating and recycling the household wastes.
N Pritam Singh stressed on the need for farmers of the district to be sincere and serious in their approach towards the environment and to leave it clean and green for the next generation.
He also spoke on the present and common issues encountered by the farmers and advocated for a holistic approach towards a prosperous farming in collaboration with officials of KVK and other line departments.
Later, N Pritam Singh distributed various vegetable seeds and soil health cards to the participating farmers.
It was attended by 27 farmers and staff of KVK Chandel.
THOUBAL
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Thoubal also observed World Soil Day at its campus in Thoubal district.
It was attended by Wangbal Gram Panchayat pradhan, Heisnam Manichandra; Rice Research Station Wangbal, Rice Breeder, Kh Ngamreishang; Progressive Farmer & National Awardee, Sapam Lukhoi Singh and KVK Thoubal Sr Scientist & Head, Dr S Zeshmarani as presidium members.
As part of the programme, soil health cards were distributed to selected 150 farmers of Kakching and Thoubal district.
KVK Thoubal, SMS (Agronomy), N Tomba and Farm Manager, Dr W Jiten also took part in the programme as resource persons.
Moreover, Green Foundation, Imphal and Nongchup Pukhei Organic Producers Company Ltd also celebrated World Soil Day at Kangmong Langoljam Leikai in Imphal West District.