Farmers advised for judicious use of fertilisers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 05 2022:
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Imphal West in collaboration with AICRP on Soil Test Crop Response, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal organised World Soil Day on the theme "Soil: Where Food Begins" on Monday.
Imphal West-I upa adhyaksha L Bobby Devi, NABARD RO, Manipur general manager Niangkhanvung Guite and ICAR Manipur Centre joint director Dr I Meghachandra Singh were chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively while ICAR: KVK, Imphal West head Dr Th Motilal Singh delivered the welcome address.
Speaking on the occasion, L Bobby called upon every farmer to have the habit of testing their soil so that soil could be managed properly and improved as we cannot live without it.
She continued that plastic has become a major problem in soil because of its indiscriminate use, coupled with improper disposal systems.
The chief guest added that as far as possible, chemical fertilizers like urea should be avoided and integrated farming system should be promoted.
Niangkhanvung Guite spoke on the role of ICAR in taking care of soil of the farmers.
In his presidential address, Dr I Meghachandra Singh said that because of deforestation in the hilly areas of Manipur there is enormous loss of soil nutrients which leads to flash floods and silting of riverbeds.
Farmer should avoid the habit of using excess urea which gives their fields much greener look but has harmful consequences.
Nowadays natural farming is being promoted which will make the soil more fertile and sustainable.
In this system, livestock are integral part and it plays major role in making the soil fertile without chemical fertilizers, he explained and urged the farmers to adopt organic cultivation practices to save the soil.
Dr T Basanta Singh, scientist (soil science) ICAR Manipur Centre and the principal investigator of AICRP on STCR, during his key note address highlighted the importance of the World Soil Day and significance of soil for food production.
During the programme, Soil health cards were distributed to 24 farmers followed by farmers-scientists interaction programme hosted by Dr L Kanta Singh, chief technical officer (SWCE), Dr Lydia Zimik, SMS (agronomy) and K Lily Rangnamei, SMS (horticulture).
ICAR-KVK, Churachandpur also observed World Soil Day at its training hall with former Lanva MDC T Khaik-homang as chief guest and department of agriculture's extension officer Sunthiahlal as president while KVK Churachandpur head Dr L Somendro and SMS (plant protection) Dr N Johnson were present as guests of honour.
Many farmers from different parts of Churachandpur district took part in the observance and they were provided Soil Health Cards at the end of the function.