Celebrations of World Soil Day 2024 at MNS University of Agriculture, Multan

Multan, Pakistan – December 5, 2024 – The Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences at MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, celebrated World Soil Day 2024 on December 5th, focusing on the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage.” The event emphasized the critical importance of measuring, monitoring, and managing soil health to ensure sustainable agricultural systems and preserve soil resources for future generations.
World Soil Day serves as a reminder of soil’s vital role in maintaining ecological balance, food security, and climate stability. The event brought together a diverse audience, including academia, researchers, civil society, and industry professionals, to engage in discussions about soil conservation and its broader implications for sustainability. The day featured a seminar with various activities, including a documentary screening, keynote addresses, and a consultative session on soil health.
The day began with a screening of the documentary Living Soil, highlighting the challenges faced by soil ecosystems and the importance of protecting soil. Dr. Tanveer ul Haq, Chairperson of the Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, welcomed participants and emphasized the need for greater awareness and education on soil conservation.
Dr. Ahmad Mahmood delivered the keynote address, titled “Sustaining Soil, Sustaining Peace: A Holistic Approach for Climate Challenges,” discussing how sustainable soil management can mitigate climate change impacts while promoting environmental and social stability.
Mr. Tahir Naeem from Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) also addressed the gathering, highlighting FFC’s initiatives to promote soil conservation and stressing the importance of corporate collaboration.
A consultative session followed, featuring experts like Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Dr. Rasheed Ahmad, and others, who discussed soil health, peace, and sustainability. The session explored how soil degradation can fuel socio-political issues and the need for effective soil management strategies in the face of climate change.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the collective commitment to soil conservation. Prof. Dr. Shafqat Saeed delivered closing remarks, calling for meaningful action to protect soil resources for future generations.
The event also recognized the achievements of students and faculty members, with awards presented to winners of model and poster competitions promoting soil conservation. Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Khan from FFC and Mr. Ahmad Raza from the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) spoke about the importance of soil in sustaining agriculture, food security, and peacebuilding.
Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq A. Rajwana, Vice Chancellor of MNS University of Agriculture, emphasized the university’s role in educating the public on the environmental and socio-economic benefits of healthy soils.
World Soil Day 2024 at MNS University of Agriculture reinforced the commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship, providing a platform for addressing the challenges and solutions related to soil health.