NESFAS marked World Soil Day with an engaging interactive session titled “Caring for Soil”, based on the year’s theme, “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”, at its Shillong office, on December 5, 2024. The event brought together NESFAS team members, including its founding chairperson, Bah Phrang Roy, and partners from farming communities in East Khasi Hills.
The session commenced with an opening address by Bah Pius Ranee, Executive Director of NESFAS who remarked, “We have a wealth of knowledge and experience from our work with farmers, particularly through the Agroecology Learning Circles (ALC) experiment. However, we need to better document and share this knowledge with the world. We should focus on identifying and documenting best practices from experienced farmers like Bah Richard Ranee and Kong Otilia Mukhim. By creating comprehensive soil profiles for each village, we can enhance our understanding and empower communities to make informed decisions.”
Subsequently, the discussions delved into the intricate relationship between humans and soil. Bah Richard Ranee from Nongtraw shared insights on the significance of soil in our lives, highlighting its role in sustaining ecosystems and food production. As a traditional farmer, he has inherited valuable knowledge from his ancestors who emphasized the importance of healthy soil for good crops and human health. He stated, “In our hilly region, heavy rainfall often erodes topsoil. To combat this, I have adopted a sustainable approach by using natural barriers like wood and bamboo to prevent soil erosion. Additionally, I enrich the soil with organic matter like dead leaves and twigs. This practice has significantly improved crop yields. I share this knowledge with others, including school children, to promote sustainable farming practices. Our deep connection with nature is evident in traditions like placing umbilical cords in the branches of a tree, symbolizing our bond with the land. I believe it’s crucial to preserve these traditions and encourage communities to dedicate land for such practices.”
Otilia Mukhim from Jatah Lakadong provided valuable insights into traditional farming practices and their impact on soil health. She shared practical solutions and experiences in managing soil health, emphasizing the importance of indigenous knowledge and said, “Traditional practices like bun cultivation, where diverse crops are grown together, and the avoidance of burning fields to protect beneficial insects, demonstrate our commitment to soil health. Using natural fertilizers like animal manure and practicing terrace farming, especially during the monsoon, are vital for sustainable agriculture. Community-led initiatives, such as ALC experiments, have empowered farmers to adopt pesticide-free practices. Preserving forests, wild edibles, and sacred groves is essential for ecological balance. By planting trees and educating future generations, we can ensure a sustainable future for our communities and the planet.”
Bah Kitboklang Nongrum, Conservation Biologist, NESFAS, shared an insight on how to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science. He discussed the importance of integrating both approaches to ensure sustainable soil management and emphasized on the need to link ALC initiatives with knowledge gaps, to compile the best practices and knowledge from indigenous farming communities, and to share it with the rest of the world.
Bah Khrawborlang Wahlang facilitated an open discussion, encouraging participants to share insights and experiences. Some of the key issues were raised like the need for community-led research, documentation of best practices on soil management and few others.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Bah Phrang Roy, founding chairperson of NESFAS, who was quoted as saying, “From initial theoretical discussions, our understanding of soil and composting has evolved into practical, community-driven initiatives. This shift towards community-led solutions is vital for a sustainable future. Bah Pius Ranee and the team’s leadership in fostering collaboration is commendable. While technology offers convenience, it has also led to unsustainable practices. Protecting our soil and traditional food systems is crucial to resist the dominance of fast food and industrial agriculture. By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, we can create innovative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Empowering rural communities and prioritizing agriculture will ensure a resilient and equitable future.”
NESFAS remains committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. By organizing such events, the organization aims to raise awareness about the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security and ecological balance.
