Team Herald
MARGAO: On the occasion of World Soil Day, December 5, GOACAN has called for an action plan to combat soil erosion and protect soil biodiversity in the State so that the agriculture gets a boost and farmers get higher returns.
In a letter to the Director of Agriculture Nevil Alphonso, GOACAN has pointed out that it is important that the challenges of soil management be also addressed in the State by taking the Food and Agriculture Organisation World Soil Day 2020 theme “Keep Soil Alive, Protect Soil Biodiversity” to all the State talukas.
It may be noted that the GOACAN had highlighted the need for soil testing during the meeting convened by Director of Agriculture in February this year to discuss the damage to the farms in the villages of Verna, Utorda and Majorda and to plan for the International Year of Plant Health 2020.
The GOACAN in its letter has stated many of the first time gardening and urban farming enthusiasts get dejected when the seeds they have sown and plant saplings they nurtured, die due to soil mismanagement. Further, it has stated that by encouraging farmers in State to engage in proactively improving soil health, they can also protect the loss of soil biodiversity.
Keeping in mind the 2020 theme for World Soil Day, the GOACAN has made suggestions to the Director of Agriculture to integrate the action plan to combat soil erosion and protect soil biodiversity with the plans to observe in Goa the ‘International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV) 2021″.
The GOACAN has also asked to organise regular public lectures-cum-demonstrations on soil management at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK South) in Margao and the Department Farm in Duler, Mapusa.
Publicise the soil testing facilities available in both the districts with the assistance of Department of Urban Development and Directorate of Panchayats and simplify the procedure for using these facilities, so that the common person can proactively come forward to get local soil tested.
On the occasion of IYFV 2021, start a weekly WhatsApp message service to include “Tips on Soil management” and start a monthly e-newsletter to include a regular feature on “What I Can do to Protect Soil Biodiversity”.
Initiate a public campaign to protect soil from the dumping of toxic and hazardous waste like used batteries expired, medicines etc by involving self-help groups, consumer forums, NGOs, eco clubs, consumer clubs, etc.
