Bhubaneswar, December 5, 2025 – On the occasion of World Soil Day, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo urged farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders to adopt natural and climate-resilient farming practices to preserve soil fertility for future generations. Speaking at the state-level celebration in Bhubaneswar on Friday, Singh Deo emphasized that soil is not only the lifeline of agriculture but also a critical foundation for food security, environmental sustainability, and overall human well-being.

The theme for this year’s World Soil Day, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” underscored the essential role of soil health in maintaining food security, clean air and water, environmental balance, and better living standards, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas. Highlighting these connections, Singh Deo appealed to cultivators to move toward sustainable agricultural practices, including the reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the incorporation of organic matter into soils, and the wider adoption of natural and climate-resilient farming techniques.

“As we celebrate World Soil Day, I would like to urge farmers, scientists, and other stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices like reduced chemical inputs, promotion of organic matter, and natural farming techniques. This will help preserve soil fertility for future generations,” said Singh Deo, who also holds the portfolio for agriculture and farmer empowerment. He stressed that healthy soils are fundamental to achieving long-term agricultural productivity and ensuring that Odisha continues to grow as a sustainable agricultural hub.

Singh Deo noted that soil health monitoring empowers cultivators with precise knowledge about their land’s nutrient profile, enabling them to make crop-specific recommendations for balanced fertilizer use. “Together, let us pledge to enrich our soil, strengthen our agriculture, and secure a prosperous future for Odisha,” he said during the event. In a post on X, he added that joining farmers and policymakers in this initiative reinforced the collective responsibility to nurture and protect this vital resource.

The event also highlighted the Odisha government’s ongoing efforts to bridge knowledge gaps in agriculture and strengthen soil testing infrastructure across the state. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department, emphasized that enhancing access to soil testing services and scientific farming knowledge is crucial to helping farmers adopt efficient and sustainable practices. “Accurate soil health information enables precise nutrient management, reduces dependency on chemical inputs, and enhances overall productivity,” he said.

Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture and Food Production, was also present at the celebrations. He stressed that modern agricultural development depends not only on technology and infrastructure but also on an in-depth understanding of soil conditions and sustainable land management practices. During the program, a video on World Soil Day was screened, followed by the inauguration of the Manual on Agricultural Production Technology – Rabi 2025-26, providing farmers with updated guidance on crop selection, soil preparation, and management strategies.

As part of the initiative, Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers to promote scientific soil nutrient management. These cards, which provide a detailed analysis of a farm’s soil properties, serve as a vital tool for precision agriculture, allowing farmers to optimize fertilizer use, improve soil fertility, and enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impact. The program also included a technical session in which experts discussed topics such as sustainable soil management, natural farming techniques, city compost usage, and urban gardening practices, highlighting the integration of soil health initiatives into both rural and urban settings.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also addressed the significance of soil in sustaining life and environmental balance. In a post on X, he remarked, “Soil is the cornerstone of our life and the inexhaustible force that sustains the flow and continuity of life on Earth. Our food, water, and environmental balance all depend on this invaluable natural resource. On this occasion of World Soil Day, let us all come together to work towards preserving soil quality and safety and resolve to create a healthy environment for future generations.”

The event underscored the broader connection between soil health and climate resilience. With changing weather patterns, declining soil fertility, and the increasing pressures of urbanization, maintaining soil health has emerged as a critical challenge for agricultural sustainability. By advocating natural and climate-resilient farming, Odisha aims to equip farmers with tools and knowledge to adapt to these changes while ensuring long-term productivity.

Natural farming techniques promoted during the celebration include crop rotation, cover cropping, use of organic fertilizers, composting, minimal tillage, and agroforestry practices. These methods not only preserve soil structure and fertility but also enhance biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to overall environmental sustainability. Experts emphasized that integrating these practices into mainstream agriculture is essential for securing food systems and creating a resilient agricultural landscape.

The distribution of Soil Health Cards and the technical session were designed to facilitate knowledge transfer between agricultural scientists, policymakers, and farmers. By empowering cultivators with data-driven insights, the government seeks to encourage decision-making based on soil nutrient requirements rather than routine chemical usage. This approach supports both economic efficiency and ecological balance, allowing farmers to maintain productivity while protecting the environment.

Odisha’s commitment to sustainable agriculture aligns with national and global goals of achieving food security, combating climate change, and promoting responsible land management. The state has taken several measures to support this vision, including establishing soil testing laboratories, providing training programs on organic and natural farming, and creating advisory services to guide farmers in soil and nutrient management.

Speaking at the event, KV Singh Deo reiterated the importance of collective action. “The challenge of soil degradation cannot be addressed by individual farmers alone. It requires collaboration between farmers, scientists, policymakers, and civil society to develop strategies that conserve soil health and ensure sustainable agriculture,” he said. By fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, Odisha hopes to create an agricultural ecosystem that is both productive and environmentally responsible.

The technical sessions also emphasized urban soil management, including composting and urban gardening, linking soil health to the broader theme of sustainable urban development. Experts noted that healthy soils in cities contribute to better air quality, improved water retention, and enhanced green spaces, directly impacting human health and quality of life.

In conclusion, Odisha’s World Soil Day celebration highlighted the state’s proactive measures to promote soil health, sustainable farming, and climate-resilient agriculture. Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo’s call for the adoption of natural farming practices reflects a growing recognition that soil is not merely an agricultural resource but a vital component of environmental sustainability, food security, and public well-being. With initiatives like Soil Health Cards, technical guidance, and knowledge-sharing platforms, Odisha is taking concrete steps to ensure that its soils remain fertile, productive, and resilient for generations to come.

Through these efforts, the state aims to create a model for sustainable agriculture that integrates traditional knowledge, scientific research, and modern technology, thereby safeguarding both livelihoods and the environment. The celebration of World Soil Day 2025 in Odisha serves as a reminder of the critical importance of healthy soils in sustaining life, supporting cities, and securing a prosperous and environmentally balanced future.