World Soil Day Observed at ICAR Research Complex,Umiam
The “World Soil Day” cum “Rabi Kisan Sammelan” was organized at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, jointly by Division of Natural Resource Management, ICAR and KVK, Ri-Bhoi. More than 350 farmers from Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills Districts of Meghalaya participated in the event, which was chaired by Dr. Satish Chandra, Director in-charge, ICAR, Umiam, with Shri. P.L.N Raju, Director, NESAC being the Chief Guest. After a welcome address by Dr. M. Islam, Head, KVK Ri-Bhoi, Dr. S. Hazarika, Principal Scientist (Soil Science) made a presentation on “Management of soil health in northeastern hill regions of India”, which was followed by a farmers-scientist Interaction and a brief speech by Dr. A.K. Singha, Director in-charge, ICAR ATARI Zone-III. Dr. P.L.N. Raju, Director, NESAC, Umiam explained how space technology could help to identify the crops coverage, and action plan could be prepared to improve soil health and crop productivity. On this occasion, Soil Health Cards (250 by NRM Division ICAR, Umiam + 250 by KVK Ri-Bhoi), Soil Health Test Kits, and seeds of pulses and oilseeds were distributed among the farmers. Soil health cards had detailed information on the fertility status and health parameters of soils collected from the farmers’ field. Appropriate nutrient doses for different crops were also prescribed in the soil health cards for improving crop productivity and maintaining soil health in the region. In preparation of soil health cards, soils were collected from farmers’ field with their precise GPS readings, which would maintain the accuracy of the results, and promote site-specific soil management. A Hands-on training in the use of soil health test kit was also given to the farmers by Dr. S. Hazarika, Dr. Manoj Kumar and Mr S.K Phukan in the Division of Soil Science, ICAR, Umiam. The soil health test kit, developed by ICAR, is designed to test the fertility status of soils directly in the farmers’ field. As it is farmer-friendly equipment, the farmers can easily get their soil health conditions tested which otherwise can only be done through costly, tedious and time consuming laboratory methods.
Through Rabi Kisan Sammelan of KVK Ri Bhoi, the farmers were made aware about the various technologies developed at ICAR for wider dissemination and application by the farmers of Ri Bhoi district in particular and Meghalaya as a whole. Agro-inputs like mustard seeds (var. PM-28), Lentil (var. HUL-57) and field pea (var. Prakash) were distributed to the farmers during the programme from ATIC, ICAR, Umiam. The programme, which was conducted by Mr. Swaroop Sharma, concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Manoj Kumar, Scientist, Soil Science.
Presentation on Soil Health Card by Dr. S. Hazarika
Farmers interacting with scientists
Chief Guest Dr. P.L.N. Raju speaking to the farmers
Soil Health Card distribution to the farmers
Seed distribution to the farmers
Hands-on training on soil health test kit
