NYIGAM, 5 Dec: The West Siang KVK celebrated the World Soil Day with great enthusiasm at Nyigam village on Thursday.
During the programme, NICRA TDC SFR Marter Chiram explained the theme of the day, ‘Caring for soil: measure, monitor and manage,’ while home science expert Bharati Saloi apprised the farmers of soil as the basis for food, animal feed, fuel and fibre.
KVK Head (i/c) Dr Rita Nongthombam dwelt on soil health card and its importance.
Many women farmers participated in the programme, the KVK informed.
In Namsai, the KVK celebrated the World Soil Day in collaboration with the Farmer’s Training Centre (FTC) in Kherem.
ATMA PD Thingman Thingnok introduced the participants to the importance of conservation and management of soil, while plant protection scientist Dr Madhumita Sonowal Bora explained to the farmers the benefits of crop rotation, growing leguminous crops, using organic manure, and balanced fertilisation.
Agricultural extension scientist Shravani Sahanipresented a brief on summer ploughing and the importance of soil management, and agricultural extension scientist Shravani Sahani spoke on summer ploughing and importance of soil management. This was followed by distribution of soil health cards to 20 farmers, demonstration of soil collection method for soil testing, and a tour of the soil testing laboratory.
The programme was attended by 32 participants including farmers and officials of the KVK and the FTC.
In Anjaw district, the KVK organised an awareness programme at Metenglang to mark the World Soil Day.
During the programme, soil & water conservation expert Ugarsain apprised the gathering of the day’s theme, emphasising on the role of accurate soil data and sustainable practices in ensuring food security, combating climate change, and promoting resilient ecosystems.
Agronomist Kh Naveen explained integrated nutrient management of soil for various crops, emphasising on soil health and soil testing. Horticulture scientist Satveer Yadav also spoke.
Twenty farmers participated in the programme, the KVK informed in a release.
In Jullang, 120 students of BSc and MSc (agriculture) participated in and presented posters on various topics in groups and individually during a seminar on World Soil Day organised by the agriculture department of Himalayan University here on Thursday.
During the programme, NEIST Itanagar branch principal scientist Dr Chandan Tamuly a delivered a talk on ‘Biochemical analysis and scientific insights’. He spoke about the composition, quality and impact of soil on plant growth and development, and explained how soil health and quality can be analysed with the help of biological Indication.
HU research dean Dr Debaprasad Dev spoke about the impact of deforestation and use of harmful chemical fertilisers and pesticides on soil health, while agriculture faculty member Dr Kasinam Doruk delivered a talk on sustainable management of soil resources.
HU registrar Vijay Tripathi and agriculture department head Dr Raja also spoke.
In the poster-making competition, the first prize was secured by Tapu Mayeng (1st semester), the second prize was won by the group of Soma Bori, Osinam Jomoh Nemcha and Lemhai (5th semester), and the third prize was secured by Dora Ponio, Gollo Sanjay and Biki Islary (5th semester) and Soma Bori group (1st semester).
The day was celebrated also by the KVKs in Longding and other districts.
