Agriculture university gives call for urban sustainability on World Soil Day

The Department of Soil Science, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), celebrated World Soil Day with enthusiastic participation from faculty, research scholars and students. The event revolved around the global theme, “Healthy soils for healthy cities,” underscoring that sustainable development, food security, clean water, biodiversity and climate resilience all begin with healthy soil systems.

The programme highlighted soil as a foundational resource for ecosystem stability, agricultural productivity and urban environmental well-being. Dr Rajeev Sikka, Head of the Department; Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education; and Dr OP Chaudhary, Emeritus Soil Scientist, attended the event. They also interacted with participants and appreciated their engagement.

Postgraduate students actively participated in poster-making and slogan-writing competitions centred on the World Soil Day theme. Ekta and Mithun secured first place in the poster competition, followed by Himshikha Joshi and Parismita Dutta in the second place. In slogan writing, Parth, Nikita and Anurag won first prize, while Anmol and Sourav bagged the second position. The winners were felicitated for their creativity and efforts in promoting public awareness on soil health.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajeev Sikka reiterated the urgent need to protect soils from threats such as degradation, pollution, compaction and erosion. He motivated students and researchers to advance innovations in sustainable soil management and environmental protection.

A plantation drive was also undertaken within the department’s premises, reaffirming its commitment to soil conservation and to protect this vital natural resource.