Speakers voice concern over losing soil fertility

RECORDER REPORT

HYDERABAD: Soil Scientists, researchers, academia and scholars call to cope with challenges together, as Pakistan is losing soil fertility, the most precious natural assets, due to lack of policies and lack of research.

They were speaking at the three-day 18th International Congress of Soil Science-2020 began on Tuesday at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, under the theme "Wise soil management ensures better environment and livelihood."

The congress jointly organized by Soil Science Society of Pakistan and Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam, attracted soil scientists, researchers, scholars, experts and academia across the world and country.

Abdul Bari Pitafi, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries sharing his views as a Chief Guest of the Event he said that soil is not only cultivable source for producing crops, but is natural asset on which all creatures and ecosystem build bio-diversity and life is dependent on earth which is the main source of livelihood. The minister highlighted the importance of Agriculture and Livestock and added that all sources of the food depend on this larger sector which feeds the population and as well as livestock and wildlife of the country.

He urged the youth to change their behavior for agricultural profession and to develop their ideas and adopt sustainable agriculture practices for safe food instead of wasting time in search of jobs in medical and engineering professions. He added that agriculture and livestock are neglected sectors, which needs to be given priority for the development and prosperity of the nation and the government is also planning to develop policies for this agro sector which is main source of livelihood and food security of the country.

He said there is need of hour to link employment with agro-based economy. "We have to maintain soil at all levels to live safe, conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem, on which life of humans depend," the minister said.

Prof Dr Mujeebuddin Memon Sahrai, Vice Chancellor SAU, highlighted the importance of soil which is the most valuable natural resources for human existence. He added that this soil is the basic medium of survival of human being, animals, flora and all other living species; hence the soil may be called the soul of infinite life. He appreciated the efforts of the Soil Science Department and Pakistan Soil Science Society for organizing this international congress at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.

Qasim Siraj Soomro, MPA from desert area Tharparkar district said and encouraging future scientists to develop their research priority areas for arid zone crop cultivation and soil management practices and help the desert community to rehabilitate their soil through good agriculture practices to ensure food security in the desert area of Thar Pakistan. He suggested to have, comparative studies on soil of different areas, including Thar desert, Indus delta, Reverine Belt, Arid and Irrigated area of Pakistan so the policy makers can get benefits for comprehensive planning for arid zone.

The MPA said in fact SAU is playing inspiring role but they should plan the innovative ideas legislators of Thar desert for soil management, water resource management and development of arid zone.

Prof Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, president Soil Science Society of Pakistan and vice chancellor Azad and Jamon Kashmir University in his welcome address said that soil scientists and researchers have come here to present their ideas and understanding to save soil, produce healthy food crops to meet the needs of ever growing population of the country