Chandigarh: Continuing the mission of aligning the food security of Punjab with the soil fertility, the Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) under its aegis here today held a comprehensive dialogue in league with the Regenerating Punjab institution, in order to chalk out futuristic strategy in this regard with the active participation of all the stakeholders.
Initiated by the Chairman of the Punjab State Food Commission Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma who emphasized the interconnected of the agriculture, water, health, & climate the brainstorming session was an extension of the ‘Mitti to Thali’ (From Soil to the Plate) initiative launched in April this year.
Launching the new concepts of ‘Jeevit Mitti Mission’ and ‘Dharti Diyan Dhiyan’, along with the Founder of Regenerating Punjab Sumeet Sandhu, the Chairman emphasized upon rejuvenating and improving the soil health as the soil organic matter stands at a miniscule 0.5 percent while the required rate is 5 percent in order to ensure that the micro-nutrients present in the soil grow to their fullest extent in turn leading to quality and nutritious food.
As part of this ‘Regenerative Revolution’, several measures need to be undertaken such as Formation of working groups focussing on aspects such as soil and ecology, water systems, Farmer Livelihoods, Markets & Value Chains, Data etc, and carrying out State level soil vulnerability measurement besides bringing the farming sector onboard, Said Sumeet Sandhu.
It was also brought to the notice of the Chairman of the Commission as a test case a soil testing laboratory has been set up in village Gholian Kalan in Moga. The occasion also saw the launch of another novel idea of ‘Dharti Diyan Dhiyan’ which involves nurturing and training Women as Soil Regeneration Champions and ecological leaders guiding and inspiring the regeneration journey of Punjab’s land, water and food systems. As many as 100 such women leaders would be chosen across 23 Districts of the state.
The initiative also involves school level programmes to inspire children and youth to become custodians of the soil health and exhorting the entire villages from farmers to families to render assistance in the noble cause of restoring soil health. One of the unique features of the initiative would be the starting of a village level competition called Soil Cup which would reward villages that nurture their soil, environment and secure their future.
Among others present on the occasion included the Co-Founder of Regenerating Punjab Arindam Mookherjee, Director (Retd.) Town Planning Department, Punjab M.S. Aujla, Sarpanch of Village Gholian Kalan Ekampreet Singh and Organic Farmer Chamkaur Singh.
