MARGAO
Non-governmental Organization Goacan has called for an action plan to combat soil erosion and protect soil biodiversity in Goa so that agriculture gets a boost and farmers can earn higher returns.
In a letter to Agriculture Director Nevil Alphonso on the occasion of World Soil Day on Saturday, Goacan pointed out that it was important that the challenges of soil management are addressed in Goa by taking the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) World Soil Day 2020 theme “Keep soil alive, protect soil biodiversity” to all the talukas of Goa.
The NGO in its letter stated that many first-time gardening and urban farming enthusiasts get dejected when the seeds they have sown and plant saplings they nurtured die due to soil mismanagement. Further, it stated that by encouraging farmers in Goa to engage in proactively improving soil health, soil biodiversity can be protected.
The NGO made a host of suggestions to the Agriculture Director, including the one to integrate the action plan to combat soil erosion and protect soil biodiversity with the plans to observe in Goa the ‘International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV) 2021.
It has called for organising regular public lectures cum demonstrations on soil management at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK South) in Margao and the department farm in Duler Mapusa and also publicise the soil testing facilities available in both districts with the assistance of the Department of Urban Development and Directorate of Panchayats.
It has also suggested the initiation of a public campaign to protect soil from the dumping of toxic and hazardous waste like used batteries, expired medicines etc. by involving SHGs, consumer forums, NGOs, eco clubs, consumer clubs, etc.
