In an effort to address soil degradation on a global scale, Telangana State Agriculture Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy inaugurated a three-day international conference at Kanha Shantivanam in Rangareddy district. The conference, called the “4 per 1000 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference,” brought together agriculture ministries and non-governmental organizations from 18 countries.
The Minister emphasized the concerning statistics surrounding soil degradation and its impact on global food security and environmental stability. He explained that the conference focuses on climate change, the health of the earth, and the need to protect our planet for future generations.
The Minister praised the efforts of the Telangana government, led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, in addressing soil and environmental concerns in the region. He highlighted the complexity of soil as a living ecosystem that includes microbes, insects, and roots. Soil is crucial for water and nutrient storage, biodiversity support, and climate regulation.
The conference also emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture practices like crop rotation and delay in improving soil health and reducing erosion. Regular soil monitoring and testing were discussed as essential strategies to identify nutrient levels that enhance soil structure. The conference also addressed deforestation, pollution reduction, and sustainable waste management.
Minister Niranjan Reddy expressed gratitude to the international delegation for their participation and highlighted Kanha Shantivanam as a successful example of soil conservation efforts. Distinguished attendees included Fiji’s Minister of Rural and Marine Development Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ralsevu Ditoka, Honorable Consul General of France Thierry Berthelot, Heartfulness Guide Ram Chandra Mission President Daji, Dr Paul Loo, Executive Secretary of the ‘4 per 1000’ Initiative, and Telangana Agriculture Secretary Raghunandan, among others.
