The Department of Soil & Water Conservation celebrated World Soil Day on 5 December at Training & Research Centre, Sechu, Zubza.

The programme was held under the theme ‘Soils, where food begins’.

Secretary of Soil & Water Conservation Geology & Mining, K Libanthung Lotha, IAS graced the occasion as the special guest.

Director of Soil & Water Conservation, S K Hekshe, in his opening remark, stressed on stewardship to conserve the soil and mitigate the threats to soil as much as possible, and the need to strengthen our pledge to have sense of ownership in restoring and building the ecosystem.

Kevileto Rote, ARO spoke on the theme of the event and its aims to raise awareness of the importance of healthy soils for food production. He added that in order to keep our soils capable of delivering such an important ecosystem service, it is crucial to manage them with care.

Special guest K Libanthung Lotha, in his speech, emphasised on the need to commit and proactively work towards improving soil health. He gave a clarion call for all to sensitize the public to act on what we preach i.e., “Nurture the nature.”

Special invitee Tiayanger Jamir, SDO(C) congratulated and called on the department to continue to work for the people and exhort on the importance and conservation of soil and water.

Joint Director, SNO for Meteorology, Rongsenlemzung, chaired the programme while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Zuchumi Ovung, ASCO (R).