On Monday, ICAR-CIFRI observed World Soil Day under the theme "Soils: Where the food begins", in presence of distinguished scientists, professors of soil science, and 50 farmers.
While ICAR-CIFRI Director Dr. B.K. Das underlined the necessity for a balanced use of manures, fertilizers, other chemicals, and soil health maintenance during his inaugural speech, Dr. J. C. Tarafdar, a former National Fellow and Principal Scientist at ICAR-CAZRI, gave an informative lecture on "Nanofertilizer: Key Player for Global Food Production" as the event's guest of honor.
He described experimental findings that demonstrated the potential for nanofertilizers to be extremely effective in terms of improved nutrient use efficiency, increased crop yield, decreased cost, and decreased environmental pollution.
Speaking as the program's chief guest and retired professor from BCKV, Dr. R. K. Basak primarily addressed the farmers who travelled here from various West Bengal districts and are involved in both agriculture and aquaculture.
He emphasized the urgent need to apply organic matter in the form of FYM, compost, vermi-compost, poultry manure, and other sources as they become available in order to restore the soil's health, which has deteriorated over time in most areas of the county as a result of the ongoing use of inorganic fertilizers. However, he issued a warning on the type and quantity of manures that should be used to achieve the intended outcome.
Before implementing any corrective measures, Prof. Basak stressed the importance of conducting soil and water testing. He also spoke about the management of pond soils.
On this occasion, the managers of eight wetlands in West Bengal - Moyna (Purba Medinipur district), Khalsi & Bhomra (Nadia District), Akaipur, Duma, Chamta, Sindrani and Beledanga (North 24 Parganas district) received Water and Soil Health Cards with recommendations of the steps to be taken to maintain the water quality and soil health. The farmers clarified their worries and took part in the debate followed by a presentation.
World Soil Day
Every year on December 5, the UN honours world soil day in an effort to increase awareness of the significance of preserving healthy ecosystems by addressing issues related to soil management. The subject for this year's celebration of this day is "soils: where food begins".
The International Union of Soil Sciences first proposed the idea for an international day to honour soil in 2002. Nevertheless, the proposal was formally accepted by the UN general assembly almost ten years later, and the first official World Soil Day was marked in 2014.
