ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur celebrated the ‘World Soil Day-2018’ on 5th December, 2018. The programme was organized to create awareness among farmers about restoring and preserving soil health. Around 150 participants attended the programme including 135 farmers from six villages viz. Podi, Ramkhiria, Khaira, Ponia, Boria and Sunda adopted under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme apart from these, scientists, technical officers, Research Associate, Senior Research Fellow, representative from Vestige Pvt. Ltd etc.

Mr. Jitendra Kumar Soni, Scientist (Agronomy) has explained about use of Soil Health Card and its importance. Dr. R.P. Dubey, Principal Scientist, welcomed the guests and participants. He mentioned the theme “Raise awareness and call people to stop soil pollution”. He also mentioned that how our soils are become polluted due to overuse of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. He requested the gathering not to burn paddy and wheat straw rather adopt conservation agriculture in order to sustain soil health and productivity.

During the programme 29 Soil Health Cards were distributed to the farmers of Podi, Ramkhiria, Khaira, Ponia and Boria by Dr. Sushil Kumar, Director I/c, Smt. Asha Dahiya, Sarpanch, and Dr. R.P. Dubey. Dr. Sushil Kumar, Director I/c in his remark, he urged the participants to maintain the balanced nutrition in soils and use organic manures/compost to supply as source of nutrients. This not only provides major nutrients but also supplies micro nutrients and enhances the enzymatic activities an also increases micro-flora and faunas. Er. Chethan C.R., Scientist demonstrated spraying techniques and safety issues for farmers. During the programme 50 spraying kits were distributed to the farmers. Dr. Subhash Chander, Scientist convened the programme and proposed vote of thanks.