Preserving soil health

World Soil Day (WSD) is celebrated on December 5 every year under the aegis of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Considering the importance of soils for food security and sustainable development, WSD was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013.

The theme for World Soil Day 2024 — ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage’ — undisputedly highlights the importance of precise data and information for understanding soil characteristics, taking effective decisions about sustainable soil management and ensuring food security, besides judicious development.

This year, WSD will be celebrated during a three-day International Soil and Water Forum to be organised by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture of Thailand, in Bangkok from December 9.

The event will mark the world’s first high-level action on halting and reversing soil degradation and water table depletion, both critical elements for ensuring food security and a healthier environment for all. Soil scientists, environmentalists, researchers, administrators and heads of state have affirmed their participation to discuss ‘measuring, monitoring and managing’, reversing soil degradation, sustainable management and promotion of land restoration, besides integrating climate-resilient approaches for soil and water management.

As per studies under the aegis of FAO, over 1,600 million hectare has degraded due to human impact until now, and 58 per cent of the ruined land included cropland and pastures. Taking 2012 as the base year of the studies, and presuming that 95 per cent of human food is produced from soil, it is expected to produce 50 per cent more food, cattle feed, fibers and bio-fuel by 2050.

As the agri-food systems are under unprecedented pressure, restoration of degraded agricultural land needs urgent political and administrative leadership, massive investment and concerted efforts by all stakeholders. The global target of Land Degradation Neutrality, required for zero-hunger missions, is not possible without halting degradation, and undertaking restoration of farm land.

Though India, along with Thailand, is recognised among the most enthusiastic participants in WSD celebrations, more needs to be done to protect the physical, chemical and biotic nature of soil from the deleterious impact of floods, winds and fires, both accidental and deliberate.

While organisations like FAO, International Union of Soil Sciences and Global Soil Partnership have been regularly launching events for spreading awareness about the causes and consequences of soil degradation, a lot needs to be done by nations at their own level.

India can take a lead in the conservation of soil as 'agni' (fire), 'jal' (water) and 'pawan' (wind) — the biggest threats to soil health when uncontrolled — are revered as divine entities. Earth, the generator of soil, is rechristened ‘mother’ by followers of various religions.

India should involve all sections of society in transforming the WSD theme into a reality. Degradation, erosion and contamination of soil is bound to destabilise our food chain and disrupt the flora and fauna of a region that sustains life.