ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI) observed World Soil Day with great enthusiasm, focusing on this year's theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” The event highlighted the crucial role of soil health in ensuring sustainable urban development and agricultural productivity.

Dr. P. Subramanian, Head of the Division of Crop Production and Director In-charge, delivered a detailed talk on soil nutrition and health. He highlighted the direct connection between soil quality and the production of high-quality agricultural products, pointing out that healthy soil is the foundation for good crop yield with better nutritional value. Furthermore, he underscored the significance of soil conservation for both environmental and human welfare.

The chief guest for the occasion was Dr. Sindhu P.V., Associate Professor of Agronomy at the College of Agriculture, Padanakkad. She engaged in an interactive session with scientists and farmers and delivered an insightful lecture on “Sustainable Soil Management.” Her presentation emphasized practical approaches to maintaining and improving soil fertility while promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Following the presentations and interactions, participants joined a field visit to nearby experimental farms/labs where sustainable soil management practices are being implemented.

An action plan of urban farming includes the development of green infrastructure and initiatives to promote sustainable soil management. Efforts to extend soil health practices to urban environments were strongly encouraged to support the creation of healthy cities.

Fifteen Soil Health Cards were distributed to participating farmers to help them monitor and manage soil fertility effectively in their fields. This initiative aims to empower farmers with scientific data for better crop management decisions.

The event also featured a prize distribution ceremony for students who participated in a drawing competition themed around Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities, encouraging the younger generation to appreciate the significance of soil.

The program began with a warm welcome by Dr. Ravi Bhat, who greeted all attendees, including scientists, farmers, students, and staff members. In total, 80 participants were present for the event.The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. V. Selvamani, Principal Scientist and coordinator of the program, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants and organizers in making the event successful.

 

Celebration of World Soil Day at ICAR-CPCRI (RS) Kayamkulam

Aligning with the global theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, ICAR–CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, in collaboration with ICAR–KVK, Alappuzha, jointly celebrated World Soil Day 2025 with a comprehensive set of academic, outreach, and field-oriented activities. The year's theme emphasized the need to conserve soil resources and adopt scientific practices to improve soil health. The programme successfully brought together scientists, students, and staff from both institutions, fostering knowledge-sharing and practical learning experiences. The formal programme commenced with Vande matharam, symbolizing national pride and institutional commitment to agricultural advancement. Dr. A. Abdul Haris, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR–CPCRI, warmly welcomed the gathering. In his address, he stressed on the deteriorating soil quality observed in many agricultural ecosystems and highlighted the importance of sensitizing young learners on sustainable soil management. Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, ICAR–CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, delivered the presidential remarks. He emphasized the importance of celebrating World Soil days and how and where it was started. He further highlighted the need more healthy soils for the healthy future. The Chief Guest, Dr. Sam T. Kurumthottical, Retired Professor & Head, Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani delivered an insightful and inspiring talk. He elaborated on soil degradation issues in Kerala, challenges of urbanization and what is actually causing through the activities of urbanization, the results of land-use changes, and the need for continuous soil monitoring. He also narrated real-world examples of soil conservation successes and encouraged students to give more thrust on maintaining a healthy soil. Dr. P. Muralidharan, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR–KVK Alappuzha, delivered the keynote address focusing on the importance of recycling the waste generated in the cities in an effective way. The present conditions of waste production in the cities and how it is entered in to the food chain and nutrient cycling process were well explained by him. He encouraged curiosity and enriched students’ understanding of soil biodiversity, nutrient cycles, soil profile characteristics, and soil conservation measures. Dr. A. Joseph Rajkumar, Principal Scientist (Agrl. Entomology), highlighted the link between soil health and human health and the importance supported the other speaker points. Dr. Neenu S., Senior Scientist (Soil Science), ICAR–CPCRI, proposed the vote of thanks. The inter-college quiz competition was conducted on the topic importance of healthy soils co-ordinated by Dr. Neenu. S, Mrs. Asha K. Chandran, and Mr. M.S.Rajeev, the quiz was highly engaging, with teams actively competing across multiple rounds from different areas like agriculture, soil science, science and nature including visual round.

Simultaneously, a poster and collage competition was conducted and evaluated by Dr. Indhuja S., Mr. M. S. Rajeev, and Dr. Mayalekshmi. Participants displayed creativity and scientific insight through posters depicting themes such as Soil: A Finite and Fragile Resource, Soil erosion and conservation, Soil biodiversity and microorganisms, Sustainable nutrient management, Role of soil organic matter, Climate change impacts on soil health etc. The evaluators appreciated the artistic quality, scientific content, and clarity of message conveyed in the posters.

A guided field visit was conducted to demonstrate systematic soil sampling procedures. Facilitated by Dr. Sajnanath K. and Mrs. Asha K. Chandran, the session familiarized participants with: Tools and methods for soil sampling, Depth-specific sampling, Composite sampling techniques, Sample labeling and storage protocols etc. Students gained hands-on experience and understood the importance of representative soil samples for reliable analysis. Participants were then taken to the Soil Testing Laboratory, where they observed demonstrations on nutrient analysis procedures.

The valedictory session marked the successful conclusion of the day’s events. Certificates and prizes were distributed to winners of the quiz and poster competitions. Participants shared positive feedback, noting that the collaborative approach of CPCRI and KVK enriched the learning experience. The programme concluded with the National Anthem, marking a dignified end to the celebrations. A total of 70 registered participants (65 students from four colleges and five interns/apprenticeship trainees) and staff members of Regional Station, Kayamkulam and ICAR-KVK, Alappuzha participated in the programme.

 

Celebration of World Soil Day at ICAR-CPCRI, Research Centre, Kahikuchi, Guwahati, Assam

The World Soil Day was conducted on 5^th December, 2025 at Research Centre, Kahikuchi, Guwahati-17, Assam. About 50 participants from Maithabari, UttarKachi, Subankhata and Jamatapur from Baksa and Baliguri as well as adjoining areas from Baksa and Nalbari district took part in the programme. Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Principal Scientist, Head, Division of Social Science highlighted the importance of soil in agriculture, soil testing and the importance of macro and micronutrients in soil. Further, he stated that about 94 % of food comes from soil and proper soil fertility management can enhance the income of farmers to the tune of 20-30 %. Dr. Alpana Das, Principal Scientist and Scientist in-charge of the Centre mentioned the problems of soil in Assam and the need for reclaiming the soil with proper management strategies. Dr L S Singh, Coordinator of the programme highlighted the theme of this year’s World Soil Day Healthy soils for Healthy cities. During the question-answer session, participants enquired about nut fall, acidic soil management in Arecanut, site selection for growing coconut and Arecanut, spoilage of endosperm in coconut without any outside visible symptoms and other management practices. Later, Arecanut seedlings and literature related to Arecanut cultivation were distributed to all the participants. It was also assured to the farmers that the scientific team from the centre will visit their fields for diagnosis of problems and advisory services on next day (06.12.2025).