Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurates National Webinar on “Bhumi Suposhan and Sanrakshan”
15th April, 2021
The ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra and Akshay Krishi Parivar, New Delhi jointly organized a National Webinar on “Bhumi Suposhan and Sanrakshan” today.
The Chief Guest, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare urged the KVKs for sensitizing the farmers about the “Bhumi Suposhan and Sanrakshan”. Regarding the soil erosion as a serious issue, the Minister accentuated that without enriching and conserving soil, higher yield on sustainable basis cannot be obtained. The recycling of organic waste, “Har Med Par Ped”, organic farming, use of bio-pesticides, indigenous cow husbandry, etc., were focussed in the Minister’s address.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) expressed his concerns about the soil health deterioration, losing upper layer of productive soil and excess use of fertilizers. The Director General also stressed on Integrated Farming, doubling farmers’ income with maintaining soil health, soil fertility management, biological farming and less use of chemicals. Dr. Mohapatra urged the KVKs for organizing more awareness programmes involving the other organizations and NGOs.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR urged for protecting the fertile soil, ensuring balanced use of fertilizers, organic farming, integrating animal husbandry component in crop husbandry, keeping soil alive, protecting soil biodiversity and adopting soil conservation measures. The DDG regarded the use of neem coated urea as useful.
Shri Ajit Kelkar, Member, Bhumi Suposhan Rashtriya Abhiyan highlighted the importance of organic carbon and micro-organisms in building soil health. He stressed on avoiding more tillage, mono-cropping, fertilizer-centric approach and higher use of herbicides.
Dr. N.H. Kelawala, Vice-Chancellor, Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar urged for taking the ownership to maintain soil health. He accentuated on the special power of Hump Cattle (Bossssindicus) to absorb the natural energy. He emphasized on the cows’ ability to sustain in high temperature throughout the country.
Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, Former Chairman, Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog urged the KVKs for joining the “Jan Jagran Abhiyan on Bhumi Suposhan and Sanrakshan” at the national level. He stressed on the helpfulness of Cow-based economy for sustainable agriculture and livelihood security.
Dr. Lakhan Singh, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Pune, Maharashtra Village emphasized on identifying the Motivators or Bhumi Rakshak for protecting the soil and making livestock as an integral part of farming.
Around 11 ICAR-ATARI Directors, Directors of Extension Education of State Agricultural Universities and Heads & Scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras also virtually participated in the Webinar.
In total 780 participants representing 722 KVKs across the country participated in the program in virtual mode.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra)
