The State-Level World Soil Day Celebration for 2025 was held on December 5th at the Auditorium of Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. This event marked the global observance of World Soil Day, with this year’s theme being “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.”
The theme emphasised the vital role of soil health in ensuring food security, environmental balance, clean air, clean water, and improved living standards in rapidly growing urban areas.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, as well as Energy in Odisha, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh De,o urged farmers, scientists, and stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices. He advocated for a reduced use of chemical inputs, increased promotion of organic matter, and the broader adoption of natural and climate-resilient farming techniques to safeguard soil fertility for future generations.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary to the Government of Odisha’s Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, highlighted the government’s efforts to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen soil testing facilities across the state.
The welcome address was delivered by Shri Shubham Saxena, Director of Agriculture & Food Production in Odisha, who underscored the importance of the event’s theme. A video on World Soil Day 2025 was screened, followed by the inauguration of the Manual on Agricultural Production Technology for Rabi 2025-26. Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers by Honourable Deputy Chief Minister Shri Singh Deo, along with the inauguration of exhibition stalls.
During the Technical Session, experts discussed sustainable soil management, natural farming, the use of city compost, urban gardening, and recommendations from the Soil Health Cards. Progressive farmers shared their experiences regarding the maintenance of soil health at the field level.
The event concluded with remarks and a vote of thanks from Shri Subrat Kumar Panda, Director of Soil Conservation & Watershed Development, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants. The celebration effectively conveyed the message that soil is a living resource, and protecting it is essential for ensuring healthy food, healthy people, and healthy cities.
