To emphasize the vital role of healthy soils in sustaining ecosystems, the Department of Soil Science and Water Management at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, celebrated World Soil Day at Kotla Panjola Panchayat. This year’s theme, ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,’ underscored the need for sustainable soil management practices.
University scientists, accompanied by 25 MSc and doctoral students, interacted with local farmers to raise awareness about soil health. They demonstrated proper techniques for collecting representative soil samples from fields and discussed the importance of soil nutrients and their impact on crop yield. The session also highlighted the benefits of improving soil health through increased use of organic inputs. As part of the initiative, 75 soil samples were collected from farmers’ fields and will be analyzed at the university. Based on the analysis, tailored soil management recommendations will be provided to the farmers.
Students participating in the program also visited the university farm to observe various soil management practices. They compared approaches such as natural farming, organic farming, and chemical farming, gaining insights into sustainable agricultural methods.
Mushroom Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp
In addition to the soil health awareness camp, the Department of Plant Pathology organized a camp on mushroom entrepreneurship. The event focused on educating farmers about cultivating button and dhingri mushrooms and managing crop diseases. Dr. Satish Sharma, HOD of Plant Pathology, highlighted the university’s efforts under the SC component of ICAR to promote mushroom farming in the village.
Leadership Remarks and Initiatives
Professor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor of the university and the chief guest, addressed a gathering of over 150 farmers. He emphasized the critical importance of healthy soils in combating climate change and improving food security. Reflecting on India’s cultural reverence for ‘Mother Earth,’ he urged collective efforts to protect soils for their impact on water resources, crop productivity, and human health.
He encouraged the adoption of natural farming alongside modern agricultural technologies to enhance profits and farming sustainability. Professor Chandel assured the farmers of the university’s ongoing support in improving agricultural and horticultural practices in the region.
Dr. Uday Sharma, HOD of Soil Science and Water Management, elaborated on the importance of accurate soil data to guide sustainable soil management. He stressed that such practices are vital for ensuring food security and addressing the challenges of modern agriculture.
Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research, highlighted the university’s biodiversity initiatives and promotion of environmentally friendly farming techniques. He advocated for natural farming methods and the use of bio-remedies for pest control as sustainable solutions to preserve soil health.
Community Participation
The event witnessed active participation from Panchayat Pradhan Hemraj Kashyap, Uppradhan Balaram, other panchayat representatives, university scientists, students, and farmers. Through collaborative efforts, the program successfully raised awareness about the pivotal role of healthy soils and sustainable farming practices in ensuring food security and ecosystem resilience.
