At the initiative of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Tajikistan, a republican scientific-practical conference was held in the hall of the institute dedicated to World Soil Day (WSD), organized by the Department of Soil Genesis, Classification and Mapping, on the topic: “Geoinformation systems as an important factor in data management in the field of soil science and soil mapping of the republic.” Scientists, researchers, and specialists from universities and scientific institutions, as well as staff from various agricultural sector organizations, took part in the conference.
The ceremonial meeting was opened with a welcoming speech by the head of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, Salimzoda Amonullo Fayzullo, who noted that modern society in Tajikistan, particularly in the development of agriculture, needs highly qualified specialists who meet the demands of the modern era. In this regard, the team of scientists of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan considers the improvement of the sector as one of its priority tasks and continuously carries out its activities in line with the enlightening policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon.
Then, the Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry, Bobokhoniyon Zebenisso, continuing the conference, noted that the institute’s leadership is currently establishing stable cooperation and interaction with all enterprises, institutions, and farmers across all regions of the country, providing scientific and practical support, useful recommendations, and contributing to soil improvement.
A number of guests and scientists also presented reports, including FAO representative in Tajikistan Agasi Harutyunyan; senior researcher of the Soil Melioration Department Ergashev Murodjon with the topic “Healthy soils for healthy cities”; senior researcher of the Department of Soil Genesis, Classification and Mapping Nekushoeva G.A. with the topic “Study of the current state of mid-mountain soils using GIS technologies (Geographic Information Systems)”; chief engineer of the design and research institute “Fazo” Kukanov F. with the topic “National Spatial Data Infrastructure. Geoportal NSDI”; consultant specialist of the soil assessment expedition of the institute “Tojikzaminsoz” Mirzoev Fatokh with the topic “Soil research as a guarantee for increasing agricultural production”; head of the Department of Soil Erosion Monitoring and Protection, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Aminov Sh. with the topic “Methods of reducing water erosion on rainfed slopes of Tajikistan”; senior researcher of the Department of Soil Genesis, Classification and Mapping Sosin P.M. with the topic “Optimal methods for rehabilitating saline lands of the Vakhsh Valley using the example of Dusti district”; and junior researcher of the Agrochemistry Department Madjidov Firuz with the topic “The influence of complex liquid fertilizers on lemon productivity under protected cultivation conditions in the Hissar Valley.”
It was noted that World Soil Day (WSD) is observed as a means of drawing attention to the importance of healthy soils and promoting sustainable soil management. The establishment of World Soil Day was proposed by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002 and later approved at the FAO Conference in 2013. Since then, it has been officially celebrated worldwide every year by the decision of the UN General Assembly.
It can be said that the celebration of World Soil Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness of important issues, mobilize political will and resources to address global challenges, and recognize and strengthen human achievements.
