ICAR – CCARI, Goa celebrates ‘World Soil Day’

   

ICAR – Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Old Goa and ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), North Goa celebrated ‘World Soil Day’ on 5 December, 2021. The theme of World Soil Day for the year 2021 is ‘Halt Soil Salinization, boost soil productivity’. Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Tourism and Port, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India graced the occasion as chief guest. On the occasion, he highlighted the importance of the soil and referred it as our mother and explained how soil health and human health are intricately related. He complimented the work of the ICAR-CCARI and ICAR-KVK towards improving the agricultural productivity and income of the farmers of Goa and coastal region. He urged for a blending of the traditional knowledge of the farmers and newer technologies achieve a dream of ‘Self-reliant Goa’. Emphasizing on the theme of the current of WSD and the coastal saline soils (locally called Khazan), he suggested use technological interventions and suitable policies for its sustainable utilization. Further he stressed on judicious use of the fertilizers based on soil testing and promotion of organic farming in the State.

Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR – CCARI, Goa in his address explained the background of celebration of the World Soil Day. He briefed about the soil health and its status in the State. Highlighting the extent and degree of the land degradation, he emphasized on need for suitable technologies. He spoke about the Institute and its achievement and how it contributed significantly to the agricultural development in the Goa and other part of the coastal region. On the occasion, he appealed for bringing the agroecotourism to the main stream tourism so as to attract and retain youth in agriculture.  

Shri. HRC Prabhu, Sr. Scientist and Head In-charge, ICAR – KVK, North Goa welcomed the dignitaries and participants and explained in brief regarding importance of ‘World Soil Day’ and the theme of the year 2021.

                Technical session included lectures on ‘Balanced use of fertilizer’ by Dr. Gopal Ramdas Mahajan, Scientist (Soil Science), ICAR – CCARI, ‘Soil sampling and analysis’ by Shri Shashi Vishwakarma, Technical Officer (Soil Science), ICAR – KVK, North Goa and ‘Yogic Kheti’ by BK Darshana Didiji, Brahma Kumaris, Goa. During the programme, 100 soil health cards were distributed to the farmer. The programme was attended by farmers, students, scientists, subject matter specialists and staff of Institute and KVK.

The programme was compered by Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, SMS (Agril. Extn.), ICAR – KVK, North Goa and vote of thanks was given by Shri Rahul Kulkarni, ACTO (Soil Science), ICAR – CCARI, Goa. It was documented by Shri Vishwajeet Prajapati, Technical Officer (Computer), ICAR – KVK, North Goa. The programme was organized and coordinated by Shri HRC Prabhu, Dr. Gopal Ramdas Mahajan, Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, Shri Shashi Vishwakarma, Shri Rahul Kulkarni and Shri Vishwajeet Prajapati.