Event : World Soil Day, 2024 Date : 05.12.2024 Venue : Auditorium, Palar Agricultural College, Vellore Organized by : Department of NRM, PAC, Vellore Objective : This event focused on to raise an awareness of the importance of healthy soil and to promote sustainable soil management. Participation : 392 Students and 55 Staff members attended the programme.

Introduction:

The World Soil Day was celebrated at PAC, Vellore on 5th December, 2024. The theme for this year was “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.” The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of soil health and sustainable soil management practices.

Event Highlights:

  1. Tamil Thai Vazhthu: The event commenced with the traditional Tamil invocation, Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
  2. Welcome Address: Selvi P. Poovarasi, a student from the 2023 Batch 2nd B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture programme at PAC, Vellore, delivered the welcome address.
  3. Presidential Address: Dr. S. Prabhu Kumar, Ph.D., ICAR- ATARI, Nodal Officer (Retd.), addressed the gathering as the president of the event.
  4. Felicitation Address: Dr. N. Tamilselvan, Ph.D., Principal of PAC, Vellore, delivered the felicitation address.
  5. Technical Addresses:
    • C. Anbarasu, AP (SS&AC), PAC, Vellore
    • M. Ragupathy, Associate Professor (ENS), PAC, Vellore
    • P. Sangameshwari, AP (AGR), PAC, Vellore
  6. Soil Health Card Distribution: The Department of NRM, PAC distributed soil health cards to farmers.
  1. Momento Distribution: Mementos were distributed to distinguished guests.
  2. Vote of Thanks: Selvi D. Merinjesna, a student from the 2023 Batch 2nd B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture program, delivered the vote of thanks.
  3. National Anthem: The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
  4. Programme harmonized by: Mr. T. Santhoshkumar (Club Secretary), V. Sanjana (Join Club Secretary), T. Naren Akash (Photography), S. Monika (Planning forum) and C. Pradeepan (Planning forum).

Outcomes and Impact:

The World Soil Day celebration at PAC, Vellore was a successful event that brought together students, faculty, and stakeholders to discuss the importance of soil health. The event highlighted the need for sustainable soil management practices and the role of soil health cards in improving agricultural productivity.  

Recommendations:

  1. Organize Similar Events Regularly: Conduct similar events regularly to create awareness about soil health and sustainable agriculture practices.
  2. Involve Community: Engage the local community in soil health initiatives and workshops.
  3. Promote Soil Testing: Encourage farmers to get their soil tested regularly and follow recommendations based on the soil test results.
  4. Collaborate with Stakeholders: Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to promote sustainable soil management practices.

Conclusion:

The World Soil Day celebration at PAC, Vellore was a valuable platform to raise awareness about soil health and sustainable agriculture practices. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, we can further promote soil health and ensure food security for future generations.