PULWAMA: World Soil Health Day was Celebrated at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)/ Extension Training Centre Malangpora in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday.
The programme was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)/ Extension Training Centre Malangpora and was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Nazir Ahmad Ganaie who was the chief guest on the occasion.
The theme of world soil day of this year was “Soils: where food begins”.
DDC Chairman Pulwama Syed Bari Andrabi was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Planning Prof. H.R.Naik, Director Education Prof. M.N Khan, DDC Member Javaid Rather Bhat and other officials were present during the programme.
The Programme was also attended by the scientists and staff of KVK Pulwama and a number of progressive farmers of the Pulwama district, KVK officials told Kashmir Reader.
The programme started with the felicitation of guests.
KVK/ETC head, Prof Javaidd Ahmad Mugloo welcomed the guests and gave the overview of the programme.
On the said occasion all the dignitaries expressed their views and emphasized about the importance of soil health for sustainable agriculture.
Vice Chancellor Prof.Nazir Ahmed Ganai in his presidential address emphasized about the importance of Soil health for sustainable agriculture. He gave a comprehensive account about the importance of soil health for maintenance of flora,fauna and soil microclimate. He also released a booklet on Natural Farming published by KVK Malangpora Pulwama.
DDC Chairman Syed Bari Andrabi in his address requested the Vice Chancellor to conduct such programmes on regular basis in every village of district so that the farming community can be benefited.
At the end of the programme Dr. Shujat (SMS Soil Science) presented the vote of thanks.
While talking to Kashmir Reader Vice Chancellor SKAUST-K said that the visit was convened to observe World soil day which is being celebrated through out the world today.
He said that It was important to take care of soil which had been harmed a lot over last few decades by intensive farm practices.
“By excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides we have in a way made the soil sterile, he said, adding that It was the need of the hour that the farmer community must switch to natural methodology in order to protect the soil.
“We have to adopt methods which require minimal use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. We have to aware people about harmful effects of plastic and must avoid its use, ” he told Kashmir Reader, adding that the farmers need to switch to the use of organic methods out of which utilisation of vermivompost is important.