ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam organized World Soil Day under the theme # Caring of soils – Measure, Monitor, Manage on 05-12-2024. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Mr. Kirubashankar, Conservator of Forest & Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve as Chief Guest. He addressed the gathering and explained regarding the need for conserving soil and its interconnection with many ecosystems. Dr. Somasundaram Jayaraman, Head of the Centre, ICAR-IISWC, RC, Udhagamandalam addressed regarding the achievements of the centre, different undergoing projects and work done by the centre from its inception from 1954. He also explained regarding the importance of soil for life on earth. He also highlighted the significance of soil information for sustainably nursing/managing this valuable resource (‘healthy soils for health life’).

Dr. Priyank Mathre, Head of the centre, ICAR-Central Potato Research Station, Udhagamandalam addressed the participants on creating awareness on impact of the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on soil health. Dr. Berliner, ICAR-Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Research Centre, Wellington spoke on different soil physical, chemical and biological properties that sustains life on earth. Dr. P. Raja, Head, ICAR-KVK, Udhagamandalam said about adoption of different technologies for soil and water conservation and various government schemes under which farmers can avail subsidies. Dr. P. Raja, Principal Scientist, ICAR – IISWC, RC, Koraput spoke about the carbon emission scenarios in different land use systems under climate change.

Dr. P. Sundarambal, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IISWC, RC, Udhagamandalam explained about different soil and water conservation measures suitable for hill agriculture in Nilgiris region. The programme was also attended by the 8th class students from Vivekananda School, M. Palada, Udhagamandalam and progressive farmers from Periyarnagar, Jeevanagar, Ganganagar and Muthusaminagar villages, Udhagamandalam. Total 70 participants attended the programme. There was an interaction session with scientists-farmers-students sharing the knowledge on impact of soil health on food security and human life. The programme was coordinated by Dr. SM Vanitha, Senior Scientist under the guidance of Dr. Somasundaram Jayaraman, Head of the Centre, ICAR- IISWC, Udhagamandalam.