GF teams up with farmers on soil restoration
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2024: Green Foundation has informed that it has begun working with farmers in utilising the latest technology and encouraging the farmers to use waste decomposers made by the Foundation to break down biodegradable waste such as straw into compost, thereby restoring and increasing the natural fertility and nutrition levels of the soil in the valley.

On Thursday, Green Foundation observed the World Soil Day on the theme of Caring for Soils: Measures, Monitor, Manage", at the Farmers' Convention Centre located in the premises of the Foundation at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai.

A consultative workshop was also held on the occasion, which was attended by Thoubal District horticulture officer Malem Khaidem as chief guest, Central Agricultural University (CAU) ex-dean Prof N Iboton as president and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) soil scientist Dr Basanta as guest of honour.

In his address, Green Foundation chief executive officer U Himmat said that the continuous application of inorganic, chemical fertilisers has reduced soil nutrients, with union agriculture minister Shivraj Chauhan, among others, stating that the soil nutrient level in the country dropped by 30 per cent.

With the state also facing a similar situation as in the country, the workshop intends to help the farmers maintain the soil nutrient level on their own, he said.

The executive officer further informed that the farmers will learn how to measure the pH level and then the Foundation will assist in measuring the carbon level of the soil in their fields.

After this, legumes will be planted to increase the nitrogen fixation.

If the pH level is at 7 and slightly below, and the organic carbon levels at or above one per cent, then it is normal soil.

Thus, compost should be used to increase the carbon level in the soil, he explained, assuring to provide Azotobacter, Rhizobium and other phosphorus, boron and potassium products to the farmers to enhance the nutrient level.

Through this, the nutrient level of the soil could be restored to its natural state within two years, he said, while adding that the Foundation is eyeing to restore the soil nutrient level of all the fields in the valley to its natural state within 10 years.

According to Foundation advisor Dr M Thoithoi, the drop in the nutrient level and organic matter composition of the soil has worsened to the point that the ploughshare of the tractors often break down while turning over the soil.

He then urged farmers not to burn hay, straws and stubbles after harvest, adding that they can be used to make organic compost.

As part of the occasion, Dr M Thoithoi released a book, titled "Manipurda Tilhou Thaba" .

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