World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5thDecember to create awareness on the importance of healthy soil and advocate sustainable management of soil resources. The day was officially adopted at the 68th UN General Assembly held in December 2013 following the request and endorsement from the FAO conference convened in June 2013. In fact, the initial recommendation for the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform came from the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Therefore, starting 5th December 2014, the day has been celebrated every year by countries across the globe to mark the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well-being. Further, to recognize the importance of the work of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in the field of soil resources development, in particular agriculture development, the 5th December was particularly chosen as WSD in recognition of His Majesty’s tremendous efforts and dedication in sustainable soil management.
This year the world is observing the WSD2020 with the theme “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity“. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the growing challenges in soil management, fighting soil biodiversity loss, increasing soil awareness and encouraging governments, organizations, communities and individuals around the world to commit and work proactively towards improving soil health. It urges us to focus our attention on the workers below ground – from tiny bacteria to agile millipedes and slimy earthworms – all of which contribute to processes that are indispensable to life on Earth.
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The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) officials led by the Hon’ble Secretary is on a tour to monitor the progress of the Economic Contingency Plan (ECP) of the agriculture and livestock sectors. The first round of Dzongkhag’s visit includes Tsirang, Dagana, Trongsa and Zhemgang from 1-11 December. The visit to other Dzongkhags will commence after 17 December.
Unlike yaks, dairy cows are given preferences by owners as they believe that yaks have stored energy for lean season particularly during the snowfall. However, in reality, it has been observed that many young calves and weak yaks dying due to starvation in the lean season. The only solution to this will be the preservation of forage during the flush season and exploring the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feeding during the lean season which is cheaper than Karma Feeds and others.
Participants included the Organic Focal Person from the Dzongkhags, ARDC-Wengkhar and Forestry Division. They were briefed on Bhutan Organic Standards (BOS) and Internal Control System with hands-on training on the registration and certification process.
Twenty-one participants from BAFRA field offices in Paro, Thimphu, Gasa, Haa, Wangdue, Punakha, Dagana, Tsirang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Lhuentse, Mongar, Trashigang, Tashiyangtse, Pemagatshel, Zhemgang are attending the training. Nineteen officials from Phuentsholing, Chukha, Gedu, Gelephu, Sarpang, Samtse, Tashicholing, Gomtu, Samdrupjongkhar, Samdrupcholing, Jomotshangkha, Panbang, Wamrong, Nganglam, Gyelpoishing, Lhamoizingkha and Dagapela are also participating via Zoom.