PenInfo Desk: Soil degradation affects over one-third of the planet’s land area, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the stability of food production systems worldwide. As soil quality declines, it becomes more difficult to grow crops, exacerbating challenges related to hunger and poverty. At the same time, healthy soil can sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
On World Soil Day seminar on ‘Sustainability of healthy soil for food security in Bangladesh’ supported by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was organized by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This year’s theme “Measure, Monitor, manage” emphasizes the need for accurate soil data and monitoring to guide informed decisions on soil management. Experts agree that understanding soil properties is crucial to ensuring that the right agricultural practices are applied to promote soil health and, by extension, food security.
Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, said, “World Soil Day serves as a reminder that everyone- from individuals to Governments, has a role to play in caring for our soils. The theme for this year encourages collaboration across sectors to enhance soil conservation efforts and ensure that future generations inherit soils that can sustain their needs.’’
Dr. Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh said, “Healthy soils are essential for food production, climate resilience, and the overall well-being of our planet. By investing in soil data and monitoring systems, Bangladesh can make informed decisions to protect and enhance the health of its soils”. He reaffirmed FAO commitment to work with the Government of Bangladesh for a transformation in agriculture to build a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food system for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
Prof Dr. M Jahiruddin (Retired), Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University presented the keynote paper focusing on strengthening agricultural policy and implementing effective farmer-extension-research interfaces for soil fertility and precision nutrient management. He also recommended strategies to reduce soil health degradation and to rehabilitate resources.
FAO is actively involved in improving soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Bangladesh. Initiatives like updating pesticide policies for better pesticide management, assessment of sustainable soil management practices, farmer-to-farmer extension initiatives such as the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP), integrated resource mobilization for reducing water scarcity and nurturing soil health programs are being implemented.
Peninfo/desk/07.12.24/01.25pm