Central University of Odisha Observes World Soil Day 2025 with Awareness and Academic Activities
Koraput : The Department of Agriculture, Central University of Odisha (CUO), Koraput, celebrated World Soil Day 2025 with great enthusiasm, focusing on soil conservation, soil health management, and sustainable agricultural practices. The programme witnessed active participation from faculty members, students, and eminent experts from the agriculture sector.
🌱 Vice-Chancellor Highlights Importance of Soil for Food Security
The programme was presided over by Prof. N. C. Panda, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CUO, who graced the occasion and emphasized the critical role of soil in ensuring food security and sustainable development. He urged students to adopt scientific and climate-resilient approaches to soil health management for the benefit of future generations.
👨🌾 Government Initiatives on Soil Health Discussed
Er. Hemanta Kumar Padhihari, Agriculture District Officer, Koraput, attended the event as the Chief Guest. He highlighted various government initiatives and schemes aimed at improving soil health and encouraged students to spread awareness among farming communities.
Shri Duryodhan Sethi, Finance Officer, CUO, and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Lenka, Registrar (In-Charge), CUO, joined as Guests of Honour, appreciating the department’s efforts in engaging youth toward agricultural sustainability.
🎓 Expert Lecture on Soil Health Management
The Chief Speaker, Dr. Biman Ranjan Behera, Junior Scientist (Agronomy) and Officer-In-Charge, RRTTSS, OUAT, Umerkote, delivered a special lecture on “Soil and Soil Health Management.”
His talk provided valuable insights into:
- Soil nutrient balance
- Organic farming practices
- Climate-resilient agriculture
He reinforced the World Soil Day 2025 theme, “Soil is Life—Preserve It for Future Generations.”
🏫 Academic Participation and Student Engagement
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Manjushree Singh, Head, Department of Agriculture, who highlighted the relevance of World Soil Day and the role of universities in promoting environmental awareness.
Dr. Anupam Dakua delivered the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by:
- Dr. Sanjay Pradhan, HoD, Department of Dairy Science
- Dr. Phagunath Bhoi, PRO, CUO
- Dr. Pradosh, Dr. Suman, and other faculty members
Over 150 students actively participated, reflecting strong academic interest in environmental sustainability and agricultural sciences.
🌾 Crop Cafeteria Inaugurated; Quiz Competition Held
As part of the celebration:
- A Crop Cafeteria was inaugurated, showcasing diverse crop varieties and serving as a live learning platform for students
- A quiz competition on Soil and Soil Health was organized by the Department of Agriculture
Students participated enthusiastically, and winners were awarded prizes. The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing students to engage directly with experts on soil conservation techniques.
🌍 Commitment to Sustainable Future
The World Soil Day 2025 celebration at CUO successfully reinforced the collective responsibility of academia, students, and society to protect and nurture soil resources for a sustainable and resilient future.
