On World Soil Day, MSSRF raised awareness among Thiruvayaru farmers

World Soil Day was observed at the Village Resource Centre (VRC), Thiruvayaru, on December 5, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, IFFCO, and J Farm Services. Given that the theme for 2023 is ‘Soil and Water, a Source of Life’, the objectives of the event was to raise awareness about the vital relationship between soil and water, while highlighting its role in promoting sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. A total of 55 participants, including farmers and officials from the Department of Agriculture, IFFCO, and J Farm, took part.

Ms. R. Latha, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Thiruvaiyaru, presiding over the function, highlighted the significance of soil health management, the use of various bio-inoculants, and technologies to sustain soil fertility. She urged farmers to utilise soil health cards for nutrient application, and encouraged the use of organic amendments like vermicompost and green manures to enhance soil organic carbon. She emphasised that pulses can be included in the annual cropping system, adding that pest, and disease management systems can reduce synthetic chemical usage and soil pollutants.

Mr. Silambarasan, Soil Chemist at MSSRF, explained the Mobile Soil Testing Lab (MSTL) facility at Thiruvayaru VRC. Established in 2007, the MSTL tests 14 soil parameters and irrigation water qualities. He said that so far, the lab tested 17,568 soil samples and 2,155 irrigation water samples from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Based on the soil test results, MSSRF has been facilitating the adoption of integrated nutrient management practices. The outcomes of the interventions show an increase in organic carbon content from 0.45% to 0.75% in ten villages (675 acres) in Thiruvayaru and Poothalur blocks, Tanjavore district. The soil fertility index mapping of seven villages demonstrated a positive outcome from the interventions over the last 15 years.

Dr. Sivasankar, Field Officer at IFFCO, briefed participants on IFFCO’s role in enriching soil fertility, showcasing the latest equipment for soil and water testing. He highlighted the benefits of Nano urea and explained the role of potash-mobilising bacteria in soil nutrient management.

Mr. Siva, Field Officer from J Farm Services, spoke about the drone services offered by the company for nutrient and plant protection using chemical applications.

The Agricultural Department distributed soil bio-inoculants encouraging farmers to adopt such practices that would benefit them and maintain the soil health.