NESFAS observes World Soil Day with interactive session “Caring for Soil”

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 6, 2024

NESFAS celebrated World Soil Day on December 5, with an engaging session titled Caring for Soil at its Shillong office. The event centered on the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage” and brought together NESFAS team members, including founding chairperson Phrang Roy, and farmers from East Khasi Hills.

Executive Director Pius Ranee opened the session, highlighting the importance of documenting traditional farming practices, creating village soil profiles, and sharing indigenous knowledge globally.

Farmers Richard Ranee and Otilia Mukhim shared insights on sustainable farming. Richard discussed combating soil erosion with natural barriers and organic matter, while Otilia emphasized traditional practices like bun cultivation, natural fertilizers, and preserving sacred groves. Both stressed the need to educate future generations about sustainable practices.

Kitboklang Nongrum, NESFAS conservation biologist, advocated bridging traditional wisdom with modern science to develop sustainable soil management practices. Open discussions, facilitated by Khrawborlang Wahlang, raised the need for community-led research and documentation.

Concluding the event, Phrang Roy praised community-driven initiatives, underscoring the urgency of protecting traditional food systems and combining indigenous knowledge with science for a sustainable future.

NESFAS continues to champion sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation, aiming to enhance food security and ecological balance through initiatives like these.