By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 5: Joining the global observance of the World Soil Day, the North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS) on Thursday held an interactive session titled ‘Caring for Soil’ here, promoting sustainable soil practices.
According to a statement here, the session revolved around this year’s theme ‘Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage’, and brought together NESFAS team members, including founding chairperson Phrang Roy and partners from farming communities in East Khasi Hills.
Addressing the programme, NESFAS Executive Director Pius Ranee who highlighted the importance of documenting and sharing traditional farming practices. “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.”
Traditional farmer Ranee from Nongtraw shared ancestral knowledge about the significance of healthy soil in sustaining ecosystems and food production. He described his sustainable practices, such as using natural barriers like wood and bamboo to prevent soil erosion and enriching the soil with organic matter like leaves and twigs.
“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, symbolising our bond with the land. I believe it’s crucial to preserve these traditions and encourage communities to dedicate land for such practices,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mukhim, a farmer from Jatah Lakadong, shared insights on traditional farming practices, such as bun cultivation, terrace farming, and the use of natural fertilisers like animal manure. She highlighted community-led initiatives, like Agroecology Learning Circles (ALC), that promote pesticide-free farming and ecological preservation.
“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 fertilisers 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,” she said.
Meanwhile, Conservation Biologist at NESFAS, Kitboklang Nongrum, discussed bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science to ensure sustainable soil management. He underscored the importance of integrating ALC experiments with indigenous knowledge and addressing gaps to share best practices globally.
The session also included an open discussion where participants raised key issues such as community-led research and documenting soil management practices.
Meanwhile, NESFAS founding chairperson praised the shift from theoretical discussions to community-driven initiatives in soil conservation.
Roy also emphasised the importance of empowering rural communities and prioritising sustainable agriculture to create a resilient and equitable future for all.
“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,” he said.