TAD NewsDesk, New Delhi: India’s Agri research institution, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been awarded the prestigious ‘International King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award’ by U.N. The initiative has been endorsed by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for raising awareness about importance of soil health among all stakeholders.
The award was presented on December 5 celebrated as World Soil Day, to ICAR who mentioned it in a statement. It was conferred through a virtual mode.
With a social media campaign, in December 2019, ICAR gained more than 13,000 people. It was an awareness initiative which led India to win this prestigious award.
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand will give the award to ICAR in an official ceremony to be held in Bangkok in January 2021.
ICAR’s initiative included:
- Organising interactive sessions in universities
- Awareness-raising activities in schools, exhibitions, screenings, field visits and training sessions
- Reaching out to all soil stakeholders in the country as part of its awareness programme
ICAR placed particular emphasis on youth by raising awareness about the importance of soil for food security and climate change mitigation through quizzes, debates and on-site demonstrations.
ICAR undertakes the responsibility for coordination, guidance and management of agricultural research and education in India.
