SKUAST-K Wadura Celebrates World Soil Day 2025 with Awareness Events, Competitions and Calls for Sustainable Urban Development

SKUAST-K Wadura

The programme was graced by Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, who served as the Chief Guest. World Soil Day, internationally recognized following a recommendation by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002, aims to raise global awareness about the alarming rate of soil degradation, its environmental impact, and the need for sustainable soil management. The observance underscores the indispensable role of soil in sustaining life on Earth. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel This year’s global theme, “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities,” reflected the growing challenge of maintaining soil health amid rapid urban expansion. The theme highlights how healthy soils underpin urban well-being-supporting food security, water purification, green infrastructure, climate resilience, and overall quality of life.

The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. Mohammad Auyoub Bhat, who described soil as “the quiet engine that sustains urban life.” He emphasized that soil is not only vital for agriculture and rural ecosystems but also for the sustainability, resilience, and ecological balance of modern cities. In his keynote address, Prof. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, enlightened students on the significance of World Soil Day. He cautioned against unplanned urbanization and the unchecked spread of concrete structures, both of which threaten soil health. He called upon policymakers, urban planners, civil society members, and citizens to adopt nature-based solutions and innovative technologies to protect soil resources and promote sustainable urban development.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with faculty members and soil scientists. To mark the occasion, a series of engaging competitions-including quiz, speech, painting, and a mock farmer-expert interaction were organized, showcasing student’s creativity, awareness, and commitment to soil conservation. Winners of the various competitions were felicitated with prizes during the ceremony.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. M. H. Chesti, who acknowledged the contributions of faculty, students, and the organizing committees for the successful conduct of the programme.