Share
Dimapur, Dec. 5 (EMN): Department of Soil and Water Conservation celebrated World Soil Day on December 5 on the theme “Soils and pulses, a symbiosis for life” at the Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation conference hall with T Nungsang Ao, Commissioner and Secretary as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest spoke on the importance of conserving soil and water.
The programme had special invitees from the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Government of Kerela, where the officers shared on various schemes and programmes. They also shared their field experiences.
Samad, Deputy Director from the Government of Kerala, shared about World Soil Day celebrations in Kerala which is celebrated with much enthusiasm each year.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Imkongneken Ao, spoke about the importance of World Soil Day. He particularly mentioned the importance of the symbiotic relationship between soils and pulses which is an important factor for sustainable agriculture and its overall production.
The programme was chaired by Imtiyondang Ao, Joint Director, while the welcome address was delivered by E James Lotha, Joint Director, and the vote of thanks was pronounced by Dr. Kiyasetuo Vizo, Deputy Director.
In a related programme, KVK Phek, ICAR-NRC on Mithun celebrated World Soil Health day and Pre-Rabi campaign programme on December 5 at Kami village graced by Capt. Anand Thakur from 9th Assam Rifles, Pfutsero, Phek, as the chief guest.
Altogether 108 persons participated in the programme.
The programme started with an invocation by Weprekha, pastor of Baptist Church, Kami village. The programme was chaired by Dr. RK Singh, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK Phek, wherein he welcomed all the participants and briefed about the soil health and pre-rabi campaign programme.
Importance of soil health was delivered by Dr. T Esther Longkumer, ACTO (Soil Science) where she emphasised on soil health management and importance of soil health card. Soil health cards were distributed to 100 farmers from Kami and Lekromi village.
The chief guest, Capt. Anand Thakur, addressed the farmers about the linkage between the KVK scientists and farmers regarding the transfer of technology. He acknowledged the KVK team for creating awareness about the soil health among the farming community and quoted the slogan of former Prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
Dr. Hannah K Asangla, SMS (Agronomy) elaborated about the rabi crops and emphasised on the importance of water conservation technology for production of rabi crops in the region.
During the farmers' scientist interaction various issues were discussed on Agri and allied sectors. Farmers also displayed various exhibits during the programme. VCC Kami village Neitshulo thanked KVK officials for organising the programme for the benefit of the farmers. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Rinku Bharali, ACTO (Horticulture). The programme ended with a benediction by Mrs Wetsolou, women pastor Baptist Church, Lekromi village.
In yet another programme, Kohima District Agriculture Office observed World Soil Day. The programme was chaired by Rokoshuno Angela, Deputy Project Director of ATMA.
Vizonyii Liezie, DAO & PD, ATMA, in his keynote address, briefed about the agricultural status of Kohima. Stating that everything begins with soil regardless of flora and fauna, he said soil management and conservation is the key to soil productivity.
The work done and on-going work by the office regarding Soil Health Cards was also highlighted by Liezie, while Kethoneilhou Vimera, AO-II, DAO Kohima, shared about the history of World Soil Day and importance of soil.
In his exhortation, he said soil plays a very crucial role for livelihood on this earth. Stating that soil is at great risks due to poor management, he said soil conservation is the need of the hour for sustainable living.