Global soil conference 2024 highlights need to boost soil fertility for food security

The Global Soil Conference 2024 was inaugurated in Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on soil health amidst pressing global issues such as food security, climate change, and land degradation. The event, held from November 19 to 22, brings together 2,000 participants, including scientists, policymakers, farmers, environmental experts, industry leaders, teachers, and students from around the world. The conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussions and solutions to safeguard soil health and ensure a sustainable future.  

Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi, in collaboration with the International Soil Science Union and other organizations, the conference focuses on addressing key issues such as improving soil fertility, combating climate change, preventing land degradation, and conserving biodiversity. It also seeks to promote the development of innovative technologies for food security and sustainable resource management.  

The Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the conference via video conferencing and highlighted the critical state of soil health in India. He stated that excessive use of chemical fertilizers, unchecked exploitation of natural resources, and unpredictable weather patterns have created a severe soil health crisis. Studies indicate that 30 percent of the country's soil has deteriorated, with a significant loss of organic carbon reducing its fertility.  

Dr. Ramesh Chand, a member of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of adopting innovative research and collaborative policies to restore soil quality and ensure sustainable productivity for future generations.  

Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), called for greater stakeholder involvement, public awareness, and inclusive policies to make soil the foundation of sustainable development.