Hyderabad: Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) vice-chancellor Dr. B Neeraja Prabhakar spoke at the Agrifood Tech 360 conference about the importance of sustainable soil management. She emphasized that human survival depends on fertile soil and that it is a valuable gift for future generations.
The conference, which was jointly organized by the Liberty Foundation and SKLTSHU, marked International Soils Day. Dr. Prabhakar mentioned that only a healthy Mother Earth can ensure sufficient food production to meet the needs of the world’s population.
She also highlighted the environmental degradation caused by industrialization, mechanization, and excessive use of natural resources. Dr. Prabhakar revealed that a fistful of soil contains more microbes than the entire human population on earth.
According to her, 33% of land has already been eroded, and by 2050, there is a possibility of 80-90% erosion. Implementing practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, bio-fertilizers, and waste utilization can help revive soils.
Dr. Prabhakar stressed the importance of carbon sequestration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon in the air. Additionally, she mentioned that one cm of biochar addition can enhance carbon in 45 sm of land.
KS Raju, chairman of Nagarjuna Fertilizers group, emphasized that the health of the land is crucial for a good human future, and it is the responsibility of humans to protect soil health.
Dr. Ravi Shankar, an Agri-Food Tech Rural Impact mentor, urged industries and farmers to increase their use of clean renewable natural resources to revive soils. He also highlighted that diverse organisms in the soil earth contribute to more than 95% of food requirements.
GV Subba Reddy, vice-president of Coromandel Fertilizers, explained that using organic and chemical fertilizers together can stabilize soils, increase crop yields and quality, and improve soil health.
The stalls showcasing soil health at the conference left a positive impression on farmers, researchers, and students.
