World Soil Day at KVK, Wyra on 05.12.2024

World Soil Day is held every year on 5th December to focus interest on the need for focussing on soil health with sustainable management of soil resources in honour 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 and FAO in 2002 decided to celebrate it as a global awareness campaign. 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. Each year a different theme is given and the theme of World Soil Day 2024 is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”. This campaign aims to emphasise the urgent need for accurate soil data to drive sustainable soil management practices for global food security and environmental resilience. KVK, Wyra celebrated World Soil Day on 05.12.2024 with Dr. K. Ravi Kumar, Programme Coordinator (FAC), Scientists, Dr. Jessie Suneetha W, Dr. V. Chaitanya and Mrs. P. S. M. Phanisri created awareness to farmers, farm women, school children and IV BSc (Agriculture) RAWEP students on the importance to adopt environment friendly agricultural practices for effective fertiliser usage with for boosted crop efficiency and at the same time preserve soil healthiness. Also, discussed about adverse effects of unwanted use of fertilisers and impact on global warming. The healthy soils act like sponges, preventing floods and ensuring food security. The use of biodegradable counterparts instead of single use plastics, waste decomposing, careful disposal of perilous waste along with limiting the use of personal care products and substituting them with eco-friendly ones was informed. The vegetable crops that can be grown for soil health and during current yasangi as well as testing of the soils during lean period for better results during crop time was discussed.