World Soil Day observed focusing quality soil for growth

Moulana Bhashani S & Tech University on World Soils Day

Dhaka, Dec 5 - The World Soil Day-2021 was observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the globe on Sunday highlighting the importance of taking care of soil and conserving soil biodiversity.

The theme of this year's World Soil Day is "Halt soil salinization, boost soil Productivity".

The World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5 as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

In a statement issued on the day Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said: “About 53 percent lands of the coastal areas of Bangladesh are directly affected by salinity. At present, this salinity-affected area is incresing beyond the coastal areas of the country. According to Salinity Survey Report-2009 of Soil Resource Development Institure, about 1.056 million hectares of arable lands in Bangladesh are affected by various levels of salinity. Meanwhile, Soil Resource Development Institure has developed a number of technologies for crop production in saline areas, which are being disseminated among the farmers. Due to salinity, the cropping intensity of this area is only 189 percent. Most of the lands in this area remain fallow during the dry season”.

She said, as sea level is rising due to climate change, a vast area of Bangladesh will be affected by salinity, which will have a detrimental effect on crop cultivation in coastal areas. Soil salinity disrupts normal crop production. The problem of soil salinity has become a concern of agricultural scientists all over the world including Bangladesh. Scientists from different countries as well as scientists from different agricultural institutes and Soil Resource Development Institure in Bangladesh are continuously researching of soil salinity management strategies, said a PID Handout on Sunday.

The Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail has brought out a procession and held discussion on the soil quality of the country for improving productivity, agriculture and human secured living.

Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Hoque, dean of life science faculty, professor Dr. Shamim Al- Mamun, chairman of environmental science and resource department, professor Dr ASM Saifullah, were among others who spoke. Teachers and students of different departments participated in the rally and procession on the occasion. - UNB