Nagaland on Tuesday celebrated “World Soil Day” under the theme “Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground”. To mark the day several programmes across the state was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
KVK Dimapur: One day programme on “soil health awareness” was organised by KVK Dimapur, ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema with dean College of Veterinary Sciences, Peren, Dr. Capt. G Dhanan Jaya Rao and dean SASRD, Medziphema, professor Akali Sema as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
A press release by KVK Dimapur stated that Dr. Rao, in his speech, informed that the soil of Nagaland was highly acidic and was being degraded due to heavy rainfall by soil erosion and undulating terrain.
Professor Akali Sema, stated that a healthy soil could produce a healthy life.
Resource person, department of agriculture chemistry and soil science, SASRD, Medziphema, associate professor, Dr. A. K. Singh, delivered the talk on “importance of soil testing, soil health cards and its benefits”. He told the farmers that their income was decreasing as the cost of cultivation was increasing today as compared to 40-50 years back.
Dr. Singh advised farmers to know the nutrient status and requirement of particular crop and to monitor the soil to have first hand information on the quality of soil by soil test and soil health card.
ACTO, KVK Dimapur, Z. James Kikon, appealed the farmers to come forward with soil samples and get it analysed for their crop requirements. He also informed the farmers to utilise the health card for application of fertilizers and manures accordingly and to reduce the cost of cultivation.
A video film by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was screened for the gathering.
In the programme, welcome address was delivered by joint director, Dr D. J. Rajkhowa, principal scientist and head KVK Dimapur, Dr. Anamika Sharma delivered the vote of thanks.
Seven SHGs participated in the exhibition-cum-sale of their produce and a total of 300 participants attended the programme.
A pamphlet containing Maan Ki Baat from Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was distributed to all the participants. Farmers displayed their farm produce at a small exhibition. A total of 113 soil health card was distributed to the farmers.
KVK Wokha: KVK Wokha under ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland celebrated “World Soil Day” at its KVK conference hall with, EAC Wokha, Athrong, as chief guest.
A press release by KVK Wokha stated that Athrong highlighted the importance of soil for food security, agriculture, livelihood and human welfare.
During the programme, he distributed 113 soil health cards to the farmers of five villages of the district. Athrong also urged upon the farmers for taking up the soil testing facility from KVK Wokha for nutrient and fertilizer management of their soils for better crop productivity.
District agriculture officer (DAO), Wokha, Renbamo Ngullie, shared his experiences about the soil degradation of Wokha district due to improper cultivation and nutrient management practices.
ACTO (Soil Science) of KVK Wokha, Dr. Sanjay Kumar Ray, spoke on importance and objectives of world soil day and soil health card.
Earlier, welcome address was given by ACTO (Horticulture) of KVK, Wokha, Megokhono Meyase and vote of thanks by SMS (Agri Extension), Dr. (Mrs.) Mhalo Tungoe. Around 130 farmers and 12 officials from district agriculture, soil conservation attended the programme.
KVK Mon: KVK Mon celebrated “World Soil Day” at conference hall KVK Aboi which was attended by farmers from the neighbouring villages Ngangching, Langmeang, Chinglong, Longching and various farmers’ club.
In a press release by KVK Mon stated that the chief guest, Konyak Union (Aboi unit), president, Wanglem Konyak encouraged the farmers in maintaining proper soil health by coordinating with the KVK.
The programme was chaired and welcomed by assistant chief technical officer (GPB), Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan; SMS (Soil Conservation), Imtinuksung highlighted about the world soil day and soil health card scheme and its purpose; a film show on “Collection of soil sample” was displayed to the gathering; SDSCO Aboi, Shoyan Konyak also delivered a short topic on Soil Health Management; while vote of thanks was pronounced by SMS (Agronomy), Puchono Kweho. Later Soil Health Card and pamphlets were distributed to the farmers of the covered villages. Altogether 80 participants attended the programme.
KVK Longleng: KVK Longleng celebrated “World Soil Day” at the KVK office premises.
A press release by KVK Longleng stated that Deputy Commissioner (DC) Longleng, Y. Denngan Avennoho Phom, as chief guest, distributed soil health cards to the farmers for their respective soil data of farmers’ field.
He requested the farmers to cooperate with KVK for their day to day research and extension activities. The DC also addressed the adverse effects of common salt application for controlling weeds in jhum field.
During the feedback session, Kapso Phom, informed that KVK was regularly visiting the farmers’ field and monitoring the farming activities.
He felt that soil collection, testing and providing health cards for the respective farmers’ field would help them in improving productivity through application of recommended doses of fertilizers for different crops.
SMS (Agronomy), Dr. Manoj Kumar, encouraged the farmers to cultivate the pulses in jhum field after harvesting of rice for improvement of soil fertility.
He also urged the farmers to convert the jhum land into terraces during the fallow period of jhum to conserve the soil, nutrient and water for sustaining the soil health.
The programme was chaired by programme assistant H/S, Thungchano S. Ezung, welcome address by senior scientist and head KVK Longleng, Dr. K. L. Meena.
Altogether 57 farmers and rural youths from 8 villages such as Hukphang, Lingtak, Pongching, Tangha, Orangkong, Mongtikang, Yaong-yimchen, Nyang and Yongam attended the programme.