Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for Global Action on Soil Health at Global Soils Conference 2024

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the Global Soils Conference 2024 today on November 19, 2024, which was organized at the PUSA campus in New Delhi. Speaking via video conference, the Minister stressed the integral role that soil plays not only in agricultural productivity but also in the broader context of life on Earth. Drawing on the philosophy of Indian culture, he highlighted the belief in a shared universal consciousness that extends beyond human beings to animals, plants, and even the soil itself. According to Chouhan, soil is not a lifeless element but a vital, living component of the ecosystem that sustains life.

Chouhan expressed that soil is an essential part of the human body, with several of its elements contributing to our own physical structure. He highlighted that the health of soil directly influences the health of all living beings, including humans, animals, and plants. The Minister’s message underscored the interconnectedness of life on Earth, stressing that the health of the soil is not just an agricultural issue but a global concern. As he put it, the soil belongs not only to humans but also to animals and plants, reinforcing the idea that the well-being of all living creatures is linked to the condition of the soil.

India, which has made significant steps in agricultural development since independence, is now facing a major soil health crisis. Chouhan explained that while the Green Revolution, which began in the 1960s, played a pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient nation to a self-sufficient one, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, unsustainable farming practices, and climate change have severely impacted soil health. He pointed out that studies indicate that 30 percent of Indian soil has been degraded due to issues like erosion, salinity, and pollution, which have diminished vital nutrients like nitrogen and organic carbon. These changes not only threaten agricultural productivity but also pose significant risks to farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food security.

However, Chouhan highlighted the measures that the government has taken to address these concerns. One of the key initiatives was the introduction of the Soil Health Card scheme in 2015, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To date, over 220 million Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country, enabling them to understand the specific nutrient requirements of their soil and to optimize the use of fertilizers. This initiative, along with other programs like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Per Drop More Crop), focuses on water conservation and reducing nutrient wastage, all while encouraging sustainable farming practices. In regions like Northeast India, efforts have been made to promote organic farming, particularly in the ecologically sensitive areas, to protect local biodiversity.

Chouhan was quick to emphasize the need for integrated approaches to soil health management, calling for the adoption of nutrient and water management practices, as well as innovative techniques like micro-irrigation, crop diversification, and agro-forestry. He warned that if chemical fertilizers continued to degrade both soil and human health, the country would face serious challenges in maintaining soil fertility and food security in the future.

At the same time, the Minister urged for more scientific innovation and extension services to be provided to farmers. The government is working closely with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural technology management agencies to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical farming techniques. Chouhan pointed out the importance of reducing the distance between research institutions and the farming community, a task that KVKs are actively pursuing. He also announced plans to introduce the Modern Agriculture Chaupal initiative, which will create a platform for direct dialogue between scientists and farmers, allowing for the exchange of knowledge and solutions to pressing agricultural problems.

Moreover, Chouhan stressed the importance of involving young people and women in agricultural innovation. He emphasized that agriculture is a profitable and respectable profession and that encouraging youth to take an active role in it will be critical for ensuring a sustainable future. Women, in particular, he noted, should take the lead in creating innovations that address both local and global challenges related to soil health and agricultural productivity.

The Union Minister concluded his address by calling for global cooperation in addressing soil erosion and promoting sustainable land management, aligning the issue with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He urged all participants at the conference, including scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and students, to unite in a collective effort to restore soil health for the benefit of all life on Earth. As India continues to take bold steps toward sustainable agriculture, Chouhan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure a future of food security, resilient ecosystems, and profitable farming practices.

The conference was attended by prominent figures such as Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member 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 Director-General of ICAR. Together, they joined in the call for global action to safeguard soil health and ensure the prosperity of agriculture for generations to come.