India Faces Soil Crisis: Campaign Launched to Protect Soil Health and Food Chain

MANGALURU: In an alarming revelation, India loses about 5,500 million tonnes of soil annually due to erosion, a pressing issue that threatens agricultural productivity and food security. Addressing this concern, a significant event was organized in Mangaluru, bringing together experts, students, and farmers to advocate for soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

The event was part of the Food Chain Campaign, initiated by Yathish Thukaram and Dr. Saurish Hegde, aiming to raise awareness about soil erosion and its cascading effects on the food chain. It featured a student-farmer rally and an array of insightful speeches from eminent scientists and guests.

Dr. Ramesha, head scientist of ICAR-KVK Mangaluru, emphasized, “Caring for soil requires a multi-faceted approach: Measure, Monitor, and Manage agriculture.” He urged policymakers and communities to prioritize soil health to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Dr. Mallikarjuna L, a soil scientist from ICAR-KVK Mangaluru, highlighted the severe consequences of erosion. “Approximately 2,500 million tonnes of fertile soil are washed away annually, rendering vast tracts of land unproductive,” he noted. Dr. Mallikarjuna called for immediate steps to combat this erosion and to promote soil fertility.

Dr. Vinayaka Hegde, head of crop pathology at ICAR-CPCRI Kasargod, spoke about integrating modern scientific techniques with traditional practices to enhance soil preservation. “The future of our food security hinges on preserving the very foundation of our agriculture—our soil,” he stated.

Prominent guests included Manohar Shetty, the Raitha Sangha Karnataka secretary, who reiterated the importance of farmer-student collaborations for addressing environmental and agricultural challenges. Mr. Vedvyas Kamath, MLA of Mangaluru, emphasized bridging gaps in the food chain and extending this initiative across the state. He was joined by Manohar Shetty, Mangaluru corporator, who underscored the role of local governance in supporting such initiatives.

Padma Shri awardee and conservationist Amai Mahalinga Naik shared his perspective on balancing industrial growth with agricultural sustainability. He called for agriculture to be included in the education curriculum to inspire younger generations to contribute to farming and soil conservation.

The event concluded with a strong call to action, stressing the need to protect soil health for a healthier society and a brighter future. The Food Chain Campaign, led by its visionary founders, aims to make this a statewide and eventually a nationwide movement, advocating for sustainable practices that ensure environmental and agricultural resilience.