Why Odisha's Deputy CM Urges Farmers to Embrace Climate-Resilient Farming

During the World Soil Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo urged farmers and stakeholders to adopt sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. He emphasized the critical role of healthy soil in ensuring food security and environmental balance. The event highlighted the importance of soil health in urban areas and featured discussions on sustainable soil management. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also stressed the need to preserve soil quality for future generations. This initiative aims to empower farmers with knowledge about soil nutrients and promote scientific soil management.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 5, 2025, 17:35 IST

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, KV Singh Deo, the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, called on farmers, scientists, and various stakeholders to implement natural and climate-resilient agricultural practices to maintain soil fertility for future generations.

During the state-level observance of World Soil Day in Bhubaneswar, themed 'Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities', Singh Deo emphasized that healthy soil is essential for agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.

"I urge all involved, including farmers and scientists, to embrace sustainable methods such as minimizing chemical usage, enhancing organic matter, and adopting natural farming techniques to safeguard soil fertility for the future," stated Singh Deo, who also oversees the agriculture and farmer empowerment department.

The theme highlighted the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security, maintaining environmental balance, and improving living standards in growing urban areas.

"I was honored to join farmers and policymakers in reaffirming our shared duty to nurture and safeguard this essential resource," he shared in a post on X.

He noted that the initiative equips farmers with vital information regarding their soil's nutrient levels, allowing for tailored recommendations for balanced fertilizer application.

"Let us unite to enrich our soil, bolster our agriculture, and secure a thriving future for Odisha," he added.

Arabinda Padhee, principal secretary of the agriculture and farmers' empowerment department, spoke about the government's initiatives to enhance soil testing facilities and close knowledge gaps.

Shubham Saxena, the director of agriculture and food production, was also present at the event.

A video celebrating World Soil Day was shown, followed by the launch of the Manual on Agricultural Production Technology for Rabi 2025-26.

Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers to encourage scientific management of soil nutrients, as mentioned by the deputy chief minister.

During a technical session, experts discussed sustainable soil management, natural farming practices, the use of city compost, and urban gardening.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi remarked, "Soil is fundamental to our existence and the driving force that sustains life on Earth. Our food, water, and environmental stability rely on this precious resource. Therefore, on this World Soil Day, let us unite to preserve the quality and safety of our soil and commit to fostering a healthy environment for future generations."