Participants along with the officials from ICAR Nagaland Centre, District Soil Conservation Office Dimapur, District Agriculture OfficeChumukedima, ATMA and KVK Dimapur
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 5 (MExN): Across various districts of Nagaland, the importance of healthy soil and sustainable agricultural practices took center stage as World Soil Day was celebrated on December 5. The day’s activities included training sessions, expert talks, and distribution of Soil Health Cards aimed at promoting soil conservation, improving soil fertility, and encouraging sustainable farming practices. The theme for this year’s World Soil Day was "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage."
In Dimapur, the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) organized a comprehensive event that included a Soil Health Card training session and a farmer-scientist interaction. The event was held at the KVK Dimapur Conference Hall and was conducted in collaboration with the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Chümoukedima. Dr Ebibeni Ngullie, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Animal Science at KVK Dimapur, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of improving soil health to boost agricultural productivity.
The event's keynote address was delivered by Kevimeo Khatso, District Soil Conservation Officer (DSCO), Dimapur, who stressed the need for effective soil conservation to maintain fertility and ecological balance. Dr Homeswar Kalita, Head of the ICAR Nagaland Centre, highlighted the significance of adopting scientific farming methods for long-term agricultural sustainability. Participants also heard from Bodevi Shuya, District Agriculture Officer (DAO) & Project Director of ATMA, Chümoukedima, who spoke about the government’s efforts to promote agricultural development.
In a technical session led by Dr Bendangla Imsong, CTO of Plant Breeding, participants were educated on soil nutrient-based crop management practices. The event concluded with a farmer-scientist interaction, where farmers could share concerns and seek advice on improving soil health. Additionally, eight vermi-bags and gardening tools were distributed to self-help groups.
Altogether 38 farmers and 15 officials from ICAR Nagaland Centre, District Soil Conservation Office Dimapur, District Agriculture Office Chümukedima, ATMA, and KVK Dimapur participated in the programme.
At KVK-Phek in Porba, the celebration of World Soil Day was part of the "Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week," a week-long initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The event was graced by Mhalo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Pfutsero. She highlighted the need for soil conservation and shared best practices for maintaining soil health.
Expert speakers, including Dr T. Esther Longkumer and Peleneilhou Patrick, District Soil and Water Conservation Officer of Phek, spoke on topics such as soil health management, the importance of Soil Health Cards, and soil conservation techniques for hill agriculture. Farmers from various villages, including Chizami, Sumi, Khezakeno, Leshemi, Zapami, Kikruma, Pfutsero, and Porba, received Soil Health Cards and agricultural inputs were distributed to support their farming activities. The event also featured an exhibition of traditional crops and innovative agricultural technologies.
In Wokha district, the District Soil Conservation Office observed World Soil Day at the Molunsu Community Hall. The program was chaired by Mhao Jami, SCA, with Yanpothung Jami offering a welcome speech. The importance of soil health, sustainable farming, and the role of soil conservation in mitigating climate change were discussed by Pelebei U Kense, JSCO. Farmers were encouraged to adopt long-term practices that improve soil health.
The event included a pledge to promote sustainable soil management under the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.” Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers, providing them with detailed insights into their soil’s nutrient status.
In Peren, the World Soil Day celebration was held at Songlhuh Village Community Hall as part of the “Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week” celebrations. Dr K.L Meena, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK-Peren, welcomed attendees and highlighted the role of soil and water management in crop production. Dr Amit Kumar, SMS of Land Water Management Engineering, discussed water conservation practices and their benefits for vegetable production.
Z. James Kikon, CTO of Soil Science, addressed the theme of World Soil Day 2024, focusing on the importance of soil health management and soil sample collection. He also conducted a session on organic farming practices. The event concluded with the distribution of 50 spades to the farmer participants.
In Zunheboto, the District Soil Conservation Office celebrated World Soil Day at Litta New Village with a focus on the importance of soil health. T. Yanshen Ezung, JSCO, spoke on the significance of soil data and its role in sustainable soil management.
Merentola, DSCO, informed farmers about the Soil Health Card scheme and encouraged them to get their soil tested for better management practices. The event concluded with the distribution of Soil Health Cards to farmers.
