Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland celebrated World Soil Day on December 5 in their respective districts and headquarters.
According to DIPR report, the department of Soil and Water Conservation, Mokokchung along with KVK Mokokchung celebrated the World Soil Day at DCSO conference hall, Mokokchung under the theme “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity” to commemorate the 75th years of India’s independence of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsa”.
District Soil Conservation Officer (DSCO), Mokokchung, Ruokuosietuo Dzuvichu, who chaired the programme highlighted that the “World Soil Day” is being observed as a means to focus attention on importance of healthy soil and to advocate for sustainable management of soil resources. Despite the year’s theme, the soils of Nagaland being acidic in nature, he said that they are to concentrate more on soil acidity problem and find ways and means to address them to boost soil productivity in the region.
Key note address was delivered by senior scientist and head, KVK, Mokokchung, Dr. Keviletsu Khate, where he apprised the farmers to seriously give importance on soil health for sustainable development of agriculture and preserve their land for future generation. A slide show presentation on activities of District Agromet Unit was delivered by SMS, Agromet, KVK, Mokokchung, Nungshiyangerla. It was followed by film show on importance of Soil fertility and soil pH and interactive session by SMS (Soil conservation) KVK, Mokokchung, Imtilemla.
Soil health card and pamphlets were distributed to the village representatives of Aliba, Mopungchuket, Changtongya (N), Longkhum and Longmisa villages. Vote of thanks was pronounced by JSCO, Mokokchung, Toshinenla. Awareness campaign on World Soil Day was conducted in the form of pasting posters and banners on strategic locations of the town.
Altogether, representatives from five villages along with officials from ATMA under Mokokchung attended the programme.
Zunheboto: District Soil Conservation Office, Zunheboto celebrated World Soil Day under the theme “Halt Soil Salinization, Boost Soil Productivity” at district soil testing laboratory with the participation of elders and farmers from 8 model villages (1 village from each RD Block) under Soil Health Card Scheme.
District Soil Conservation Officer (DSCO) Zunheboto, Hetoho Y. Swu while welcoming the participants, deliberated on the global theme of the celebration. He reminded the farmers that they are the guardians of soil and its resources and how their actions or inactions can affect soil and its productivity.
DPD, ATMA Zunheboto, Vikaho Chophi, deliberated on Soil Health Card and its importance in managing the scarce natural resource. He encouraged the farmers to take advantage of the government initiative of issuing Soil Health Card to farmers in tackling the ever-depleting land productivity in the state and the district.
During the programme, 2330 Soil Health Cards were issued to the 8 model villages in the district, while ATMA Zunheboto released a leaflet on Soil Health Card and distributed manual maize sheller to the farmers.
Mon: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Aboi, Mon celebrated World Soil Day which was attended by farmers from the neighbouring villages like Ngangching, Langmeang, Chinglong and Aboi town.
ACTO (Extension), Ruyosu Nakro, highlighted about the significance and objectives of World Soil Day, Soil Health Card and its various purpose. Film shows on various topics like “Soil pollution,” “Soil Health Management” were also displayed to the gathering.
The programme was chaired by senior scientist & head, Dr. V Akashe Zhimomi, welcome address by assistant chief technical officer (Plant Protection), Martha Chakruno, Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers of the covered villages while vote of thanks was pronounced by techinical officer (Computer), Kevi Medom.
Altogether 75 participants attended the programme.
Wokha: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, celebrated “World Soil Day” at Satsuphen Village, Wokha.
Senior scientist & head (i/c), KVK Wokha, Dr. H. Moaakum Sangtam, deliberated on the importance of healthy, sustainable soil management as it supports the lives of a huge number of living organisms and keeps the earth alive.
While speaking on the importance of soil and the soil sampling procedures, SMS (Horticulture), Megokhono Meyase, also focused on the theme 2021, ‘Halt Soil Salinization, boost Soil Productivity’. She said that soil salinization is a widespread problem and a major abiotic constraint affecting global food production and threatening food security. In this regard, she encouraged the participants to maintain a healthy ecosystem through proper soil management.
Chairman of the village, Yankhosao Ezung, in his welcome address expressed gratitude for organizing the programme in the newly inaugurated village. Vote of thanks was pronounced by SMS (Agri Extension), Dr. BL. Mhalo Tungoe.
52 soil health cards were also distributed during the programme. Altogether, 42 participants inclusive of farmers, students and officials attended the programme.