World Soil Day: Awasthi addresses farmers

On the eve of World Soil Day which falls on December 5, IFFCO Managing Director addressed a farmers’ conference in Malik Mau in Uttar Pradesh emphasizing the need to save the soil. A large gathering of farmers had assembled to hear a man who heads the largest farmers’ cooperative of the world.

Readers would be aware that the 68th UN General Assembly last year recognized December 5th as World Soil Day and 2015 as the International Year of Soils.  This official recognition of these events is sure to emphasize the importance of soils beyond the soil science community, said Dr Awasthi to Indian Cooperative soon after the meeting.

Tweeting about the event Dr Awasthi said ” Addressed #Farmers Conference on #Environment & #Agriculture at Malik Mau, UP. Emphasized on #Soil Nutrition Mgmt. for Environment Protection.”

In next tweet he said “Urged them to adopt Balanced #Soil #Nutrition tech. mix Chem with Green, Organic and bio fert & emphasised on reducing the use of #urea”.

Addressing the farmers an anguished Managing Director pleaded for minimum use of urea. He said Global warming will cause frequent floods and draught. IFFCO is committed to reducing carbon foot prints. Reduction in the use of urea is a must for this.

It is noteworthy that the IFFCO has launched “save our soil campaign’ in the past where it puts emphasis on reducing farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers. The cooperative giant explains in simple words ways of conserving the fertility of land to farmers.