Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the Global Soils Conference 2024 in New Delhi via video conferencing. In his speech, he emphasized the interconnectedness of all beings and highlighted the Indian cultural belief in a universal consciousness that extends to soil, which he described as a living entity essential for life. He stressed the critical importance of maintaining soil health for the well-being of humanity, animals, and plants.
Shri Chouhan reflected on India’s agricultural progress since independence, citing the transformative impact of the Green and Rainbow Revolutions. From being a food-importing country, India now produces 330 million tonnes of food grains annually and earns $50 billion from agricultural exports. However, he acknowledged the growing challenges posed by soil degradation due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers, overexploitation of natural resources, and unstable weather conditions. Issues such as soil erosion, salinity, and nutrient depletion have reduced fertility, affecting agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods.
The Union Minister highlighted government initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched in 2015 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has helped farmers understand fertilizer usage, with over 220 million cards distributed. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop More Crop focus on efficient water use and nutrient management. Additionally, the government is promoting organic farming, especially in the Northeast, and advancing natural farming practices to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Integrated approaches such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and micro-irrigation were underscored as key strategies for enhancing soil health and reducing erosion.
Shri Chouhan also emphasized the role of scientific innovation and extension systems in bridging the gap between research and farming practices. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), in collaboration with agricultural technology agencies, play a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge and skills to farmers. He announced the upcoming Modern Agriculture Chaupal initiative, which will facilitate direct interactions between scientists and farmers. The Minister encouraged youth and women researchers to actively participate in finding innovative solutions to soil health challenges, framing agriculture as a profitable and respectable profession.
Addressing the global dimension of soil health, Shri Chouhan pointed out its significance in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged collaborative efforts among nations, scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, NGOs, and students to develop scalable solutions for sustainable land management. The Minister reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and food security for all, calling for collective action to ensure a sustainable future for humanity and the planet.
The event also saw participation from notable dignitaries, including Prof. Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Chairperson of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, and Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary of DARE and DG of ICAR. Their presence underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing soil health challenges.