The auspicious WORLD SOIL DAY was observed on 5th December 2020 in the Vagad region by Janjatiya Swaraj Sangathan and partner communities living across 1000 villages at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh. One lakh tribal farmer family, the custodians of the soil, actively participated and celebrated the day with grandeur. Among others who participated in the auspicious occasion included the community member associated with VAAGDHARA as an extended family like members of Janjatiya Swaraj Sangathan, Samudayik Sadasya, members of Saksham Samuh and Village Development and Child Rights Committee.

This year’s theme “KEEP SOIL ALIVE, & PROTECT SOIL BIODIVERSITY” was highlighted and explained by VAAGDHARA’s Secretary Mr. Jayesh Joshi by urging the tribal community to focus their attention on the workers in the soil like microorganism, worms, etc. which contribute to healthy soils and healthy life. He stressed upon evaluating the efforts done by the community on soil conservation, plantations, checking soil erosion and water runoff, an adaption of diverse cropping / mixed farming, use of organic fertilizers and chemical-free pesticides, usage of more and more indigenous seeds and other ground-level activities treating soil as a living entity on this day. He further emphasized that the tribal community has lived in harmony with nature helping maintain ecological balance in their domain. They have carried the legacy of cultural and traditional practices of managing soil, forest, seeds, livestock and other natural resources. The community has not only displayed their unique way of maintaining the ecological balance but also paved a way for all who are worried and concerned, nationally and internationally about all ecologically resilient practices. The messages were recorded and shared with the community through Abhiyan Mobile App.