KVKs celebrate World Soil Day in Kathua, Reasi

STATE TIMES NEWS

KATHUA/REASI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kathua under the aegis of Directorate of Extension, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu celebrated ‘World Soil Day-2020’ amid strict observance of COVID-19 precautions. The programme was organised under leadership of Prof J P Sharma, Vice Chancellor and guidance of Dr S K Gupta, Director Extension. The ‘World Soil Day’ is celebrated every year on December 5 to mark significance of soil in human existence. This year, the World Soil Day is celebrated on the theme ‘Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity.’
Dr Vishal Mahajan, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Kathua explained the motive of celebrating the day dedicated to soil. He informed about methods of maintaining useful microbes in the soil.
Earlier, Dr Berjesh Ajrawat, Scientist Agricultural Extension welcomed the participants and discussed importance of celebrating World Soil Day.
Dr Anamika Jamwal, Scientist, Plant Protection discussed some farmers’ friendly technologies such as integrated disease and integrated pest management for maintaining soil health without hindering production levels in farming. Dr Pawan Kumar Sharma, Scientist, Agricultural Economics discussed economics of input recycling for higher returns without deteriorating soil health. While discussing the modalities of Parampragat Krishi Vijas Yojana, he described methods of preparing Matka Khad and Vermi Wash and suggested their enhanced farm use to reduce cost of farming. The programme was attended by more than 60 farmers/farm women who clarified several queries about maintenance of soil health.
REASI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi under administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J) celebrated World Soil Day here at Nomain village in Reasi which was attended by a number of farmers. All SOPs pertaining to COVID-19 pandemic were strictly followed while conducting the programme, which was organised under guidance and supervision of Director Extension SKUAST-J, Dr S K Gupta. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Banarsi Lal, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK Reasi. During inaugural session, he said that theme of the year World Soil Day is ‘Keep Soil Alive, Protect Soil Biodiversity’ and added that a good soil health is must to protect soil biodiversity. He educated farmers that the Soil Health Card Scheme is a national movement across country and under the scheme, soil samples are taken by experts from the farmer’s field and tested in a soil testing laboratory.
Dr Arun Gupta, Medical Officer spoke on human health and educated farmers on the immunity development by using local food products during COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Lobzan Stanzin, Scientist and Pankaj Sharma, Agriculture Extension Officer were also present during the occasion. Bansi Lal, Vice President Kissan Sabha J&K appreciated KVK Reasi’s strenuous efforts for welfare of farmers. He thanked KVK scientists for organising awareness programmes. During the programme, various quarries were raised by farmers which were answered in a scientific way by KVK scientists. The programme concluded with formal vote of thanks by Dr Sanjay Kaushal.