The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari has celebrated World Soil Day 2023 on 05.12.2023 at SCSP village, BelagalTanda. The programme was started with welcome and introduction of the event to the Farmers by the Shri. Ravi, K.N, Scientist (Agrl. Extension). Dr. B. S. Naik, Principal Scientist (SWCE) addressed the farmers about importance of soil and water conservation measures in climate changing scenario. Dr. M. N. Ramesha, Senior Scientist (Forestry) briefed about the role of forest and trees in perpetual and perennial flow of rivulet and ground water recharge. Dr. Ravi Dupdal, Senior Scientist (Ag. Economics) briefed about soil and water management for doubling of farmer’s income. Dr. Ravi, K. N. Scientist (Agrl. Extension) briefed about preparation of organic liquid manures and its application for soil health improvement.

Ms. N.M. Anusha, Scientist (Fruit Science) informed about in-situ soil and moisture conservation techniques for horticultural crops. Smt. Vijaya, Head Mistress, Govt. Higher Primary School, Belagal Tanda, addressed and also requested farmers to keep their village clean and tidy. She stressed about the role of individuals with respect to development of clean village. Finally, Dr. M Prabhavathi, Senior Scientist (Soils) & Acting Head explained about the role of institute in soil and water conservation and also SCSP programme initiatives to the participating farmer in her presidential address. The soil health cards (22 Nos.) were issued to the beneficiary farmers in the village and 88 Nos. of farmers actively participated in the event. Dr. M Prabhavathi coordinated this programme with Dr. B.S. Naik and Shri. K. N. Ravi as Co-coordinators. Mr. P. Mohan Kumar, (Technical Officer), Mr. Abhishek Kumar Singh, (Technician), Mr. Nazeer Ahmed, Mr. Shivakumar and Smt. Sumalatha assisted the organizing team and disseminated the information and served food to the farmers. Scientific team of ICAR- IISWC, RC, Ballari interacted with the farmers and meeting was ended with vote of thanks proposed by Sh. Mohan Nayak, a key person of the village.