The Global Soils Conference 2024 recently brought into light the critical state of soil health. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the importance of soil as a living entity. He emphasised that soil health directly impacts the health of all living beings. The conference served as a platform for nations to share solutions and technologies aimed at sustainable land management.
About Soil Health
Soil health refers to the condition of soil within its environment. Healthy soil is essential for agriculture, supporting plant growth and sustaining ecosystems. It contains a rich diversity of organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. However, soil health is under threat from pollution, erosion, and chemical fertiliser overuse.
Current Challenges to Soil
India faces important soil health challenges. Studies indicate that 30% of Indian soil is degraded. Issues such as soil erosion, salinity, and pollution reduce soil fertility. The decline in organic carbon levels weakens soil resilience, impacting agricultural productivity. These challenges threaten food security and farmers’ livelihoods.
Government Initiatives
The Government of India has implemented several initiatives to combat soil degradation. The Soil Health Card scheme, launched in 2015, provides farmers with detailed information on soil nutrient levels. This helps them apply the right fertilisers in appropriate quantities. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana promotes efficient water use in agriculture, aiming to enhance productivity while conserving resources.
Promoting Sustainable Practices
To improve soil health, sustainable agricultural practices are essential. Integrated nutrient management, crop diversification, and agro-forestry are effective methods. These practices help maintain soil fertility and enhance water storage capacity. Encouraging organic farming, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, is also crucial.
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Collaboration among farmers, scientists, and policymakers is vital. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras play role in providing farmers with scientific knowledge. Initiatives like the Modern Agriculture Chaupal will facilitate ongoing discussions between scientists and farmers. This will help bridge the gap between research and practical application in the field.
Empowering Farmers and Youth
Farmers are key to soil conservation. Empowering them through education and modern technology is essential. Engaging youth in agriculture can help attract new talent and innovative ideas. Women researchers and students should also be encouraged to lead in developing solutions for soil health challenges.
Global Context and Sustainable Development Goals
Soil health is a global concern linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Collaborative efforts are necessary to restore soil health worldwide. The conference telld the need for large-scale solutions that benefit farmers and the environment.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of soil degradation on food security in India.
- What are the major causes of soil erosion? Explain their effects on agricultural productivity.
- What is the significance of the Soil Health Card scheme? How does it assist farmers in India?
- Explain the role of women in addressing soil health challenges. What measures can be taken to enhance their participation?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of soil degradation on food security in India.
- Soil degradation leads to reduced soil fertility, directly impacting crop yields and food production.
- Declining soil health contributes to increased food insecurity, particularly for vulnerable populations dependent on agriculture.
- Degraded soil affects the nutritional quality of crops, which can lead to malnutrition among consumers.
- Farmers face livelihood challenges due to lower productivity and increased costs of inputs to combat soil degradation.
- Government initiatives aimed at soil health restoration are crucial to ensuring long-term food security in India.
2. What are the major causes of soil erosion? Explain their effects on agricultural productivity.
- Deforestation and land clearing for agriculture lead to increased soil erosion due to loss of vegetation cover.
- Overgrazing by livestock compacts soil and removes protective plant cover, exacerbating erosion.
- Intensive farming practices, including monoculture and excessive tillage, disturb soil structure and promote erosion.
- Soil erosion reduces the topsoil layer, which is essential for nutrient retention and water absorption, negatively affecting crop yields.
- Increased erosion can lead to sedimentation in water bodies, affecting irrigation and water quality for agricultural use.
3. What is the significance of the Soil Health Card scheme? How does it assist farmers in India?
- The Soil Health Card scheme provides farmers with detailed information about soil nutrient status, promoting informed decision-making.
- It helps farmers apply the right type and amount of fertilizers, reducing wastage and improving crop productivity.
- The scheme encourages sustainable practices by promoting organic farming and integrated nutrient management.
- By improving soil health, the scheme contributes to enhanced food security and farmer livelihoods.
- Over 220 million Soil Health Cards have been distributed, empowering farmers with knowledge for better agricultural practices.
4. Explain the role of women in addressing soil health challenges. What measures can be taken to enhance their participation?
- Women play a critical role in agriculture, often managing household food production and contributing to sustainable practices.
- Empowering women through education and training in sustainable agriculture can lead to improved soil health outcomes.
- Encouraging women to participate in research and innovation can encourage new solutions to soil health challenges.
- Policies should promote women’s access to resources, technology, and decision-making processes in agriculture.
- Community programs and support networks can enhance women’s participation and leadership in soil conservation initiatives.
