World Soil Day at KVK, Wyra on 05-12-2020

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5th December to focus attention on the importance of soil health with sustainable management of soil resources in commemoration of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand who was one of the main protagonists of this initiative. Along with him, International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and FAO in 2002 decided to celebrate WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5th December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day. The theme of World Soil Day 2020 as per FAO campaign is “Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity”. The campaign aims to encourage people around the world fight loss of soil biodiversity. KVK, Wyra celebrated World Soil Day with 88 farmers and 19 students with 11 KVK Staff. Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar spoke about the importance of optimum use of fertilisers for enhanced crop productivity and at the same time preserve soil health. Dr. K. Ravi Kumar discussed about adverse effects of indiscriminate use of fertilisers and its aftereffects on soil. Dr. Jessie Suneetha W spoke on need for reducing single use plastics, composting of food waste, careful disposal of hazardous waste and limiting the use of personal care products and substituting them with eco-friendly ones. Dr. V. Chaitanya spoke of vegetable crops that can be grown for soil health. Mrs. P. S. M. Phanisri discussed about need for testing of soils during lean period for better cards. Farmers were provided with soil health cards on this occasion. An exhibition with models of KVK, Wyra and posters by students on importance of soil health was arranged for the benefit of farmers.