"Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage" – A Call to Action for Sustainable Soil Management

Dhaka, Bangladesh – A seminar on ‘Sustainability of healthy soil for food security in Bangladesh’ supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations was organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at BARC Auditorium, Farmgate, Dhaka to mark the 10th ‘World Soil Day’ on 5 December 2024.

Soil degradation affects over one-third of the planet’s land area, threatening the livelihoods of millions of farmers and the stability of food production systems worldwide. As soil quality declines, it becomes more difficult to grow crops, exacerbating challenges related to hunger and poverty. At the same time, healthy soil can sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to climate change mitigation.

Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh, and Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, graced the program, which was chaired by Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.

This year’s theme, "Measure, Monitor, Manage", emphasises the need for accurate soil data and monitoring to guide informed decisions on soil management. Experts agree that understanding soil properties is crucial to ensuring that the correct agricultural practices are applied to promote soil health and, by extension, food security.
Lt. Gen. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.), Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture, said, “World Soil Day serves as a reminder that everyone—from individuals to Governments—has a role to play in caring for our soils. The theme for this year encourages collaboration across sectors to enhance soil conservation efforts and ensure that future generations inherit soils that can sustain their needs.’’

Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said, “Healthy soils are essential for food production, climate resilience, and the overall well-being of our planet. By investing in soil data and monitoring systems, Bangladesh can make informed decisions to protect and enhance the health of its soils”. He reaffirmed FAO's commitment to work with the Government of Bangladesh to transform agriculture to build a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food system for better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.

Prof Dr. M Jahiruddin (Retired), Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, presented the keynote paper, which focused on strengthening agricultural policy and implementing effective farmer-extension-research interfaces for soil fertility and precision nutrient management. He also recommended strategies to reduce soil health degradation and rehabilitate resources.

FAO is actively involved in improving soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Bangladesh. Initiatives such as updating pesticide policies for better pesticide management, assessing sustainable soil management practices, farmer-to-farmer extension initiatives such as the Global Soil Doctors Programme (GSDP), integrated resource mobilisation for reducing water scarcity, and nurturing soil health programs are being implemented.

About World Soil Day
World Soil Day is an international observance promoted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The day highlights the importance of healthy soil for food security, ecosystem services, and sustainable development. It is celebrated annually on December 5 in honour of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who initiated the idea for World Soil Day in 2002.