Shillong, December 05: Together with the rest of the world, World Soil Health Day on the theme “Soil & Pulses Symbolizes Life” was observed today in the office of the District Agriculture Officer, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat wherein Smti S. Mihsil, District Agriculture Officer graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Smti Mihsil informed that World Soil Day was observed since 2012 with a view to make the people aware of the importance of soil and it’s beneficial to mankind. Adding that soil is one of the natural wealth, she encouraged the farmers especially to grow pulses as pulses increases the fertility of the soil. Stressing upon the need of preserving and protecting soil from erosion, she urges upon the farmers to take care of the soil and make it sustainable for the future generation.
During the programme, Soil Health Cards was distributed to the farmers within the district. Shri O. Suin, Assistant Director, Agriculture, Mawkyrwat also spoke on the occasion. Shri G. Nongrang, SDAO, Mawkyrwat chaired the function. Smti B. Wanshnong, ADH, Mawkyrwat delivered the welcome address while Shri J. M. Dhar, ADO, Mawkyrwat proposed the vote of thanks. (MIPR)
South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Cyril V D Diengdoh on Monday last distributed Soil Health Cards to farmers as part of the observance of World Soil Day at an elaborate gathering at Ampati Multi Facility Centre near here. The Soil Health Cards were issued to determine the status of micro nutrient and mineral content of the soil sampled from the lands of respective farmers after scientifically testing them at state run laboratories.
The programme organized by the South West Garo Hills district agriculture officer was attended by hundreds of farmers from across the district including the District Agriculture Officer A G Momin, District Horticulture Officer B R Marak, Superintendent of Fisheries George W Momin and Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer B C Momin amongst others.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Diengdoh stated that the celebration was significant for the district as majority of the populace was engaged in agrarian practices for livelihood. Emphasizing on the need to keep the soil healthy the Deputy Commissioner spoke on the State’s Mission Green initiative whereby an aggressive effort was being taken up by the government to make the region a chemical free zone through the introduction of organic supplements for agriculture. Rampant use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers is playing havoc with the health of the people who consume it Diengdoh stated and urged the people to use organic fertilizers manufactured at their own backyards such as vermi-composts etc.
Speaking on minimizing the use of non-biodegradable substances such as plastics the Deputy Commissioner informed that he had met with all the market committee members of the district and sorted out a plan minimizing the use of polythene bags. Urging farmers to practice alternate cropping by planting pulses and beans after harvesting paddy Diengdoh stated that the district administration was encouraging farmers to build composting pits in their backyards to use as fertilizers for their crops. The Deputy Commissioner later urged the people of the region to make a committee for the disposal of plastic waste like bottles by creating a depot and selling the waste to vendors or recyclers.
Amongst others who spoke at the occasion were District Agriculture Officer A G Momin, District Horticulture Officer B R Marak and Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer B C Momin.
