Global Soil Conference 2024

Global Soil Conference 2024

• Recently Global Soils Conference 2024 was held in New Delhi. The conference was organised by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
• Key Government Initiatives for Soil Conservation:
  • Soil Health Card (2015): Enables farmers to determine proper fertiliser usage.
  • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana – Per Drop More Crop: Focuses on efficient water use and nutrient management.
  • Natural Farming Mission: Promotes sustainable practices for improving soil health.

Why in News?

The Global Soil Conference 2024 marked a significant step in promoting soil health as a critical component of sustainable development. With participation from policymakers, scientists, and other stakeholders, the event addressed global soil-related challenges while fostering international collaboration.

Key Details of the Conference

1. Organising Bodies

The conference was organised by:

• Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), New Delhi
• Collaborators:
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
  • National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), New Delhi

2. Theme

“Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services”
The theme emphasized the role of soil in addressing climate change, enhancing food security, and sustaining ecosystems.

3. Objectives

The conference aimed at:

• Empowering Farmers: Providing education, support, and scientific tools to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Youth and Women Empowerment: Encouraging the participation of youth and women researchers in addressing soil challenges through innovative solutions.
• Global Partnerships: Promoting collaboration among scientists, policymakers, NGOs, and stakeholders to develop actionable solutions for soil-related issues.

Focus Areas of the Conference

1. Soil as a Global Concern

• Global Challenges: Soil erosion and degradation are now recognised as critical challenges threatening sustainable development.
• Soil Health: The conference highlighted the importance of maintaining soil health for the well-being of humans, animals, and plants.

2. Sustainable Land Management

• Addressing the global need for sustainable agricultural practices to restore soil health.
• Promoting collaboration between nations to share innovative solutions and implement scalable models for sustainable agriculture.

3. SDGs and Soil Health

• Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the conference stressed soil conservation as a means to achieve food security and resilient ecosystems.

India’s Role and Vision

India is playing a pivotal role in advancing soil health through various initiatives:

1. Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture: Advocating for practices that ensure agricultural sustainability while being economically viable.
2. Integrated Nutrient and Water Management: Promoting balanced nutrient usage and efficient water management to enhance soil fertility.
3. Support for Research and Innovation: Encouraging research on soil conservation methods and innovative farming practices.

Conclusion

The Global Soil Conference 2024 not only addressed critical challenges related to soil health but also showcased India’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. As a vital resource, soil health has far-reaching implications for food security, ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the outcomes of this conference is crucial for both prelims and mains, particularly under topics related to environmental sustainability and agriculture.

By integrating global and national perspectives, the conference reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the twin goals of environmental conservation and agricultural prosperity.

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