World Soil Day 2023: 5 December

Current Context: World Soil Day is held annually on 5th December to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources.

• The theme for World Soil Day 2023 is "Soil and Water: A Source of Life".
• This theme highlights the essential symbiotic relationship between soil and water in agriculture and environmental health.
• Here are some key messages for World Soil Day 2023:
• Soil and water provide the foundation for food production, ecosystems, and human well-being. 
• Recognizing their invaluable roles, we can take proactive measures to safeguard these resources for future generations.
• Soil and water are the medium in which plants grow and obtain essential nutrients.
• Rainfed agriculture systems account for 80 percent of croplands, contributing to 60 percent of global food production. These systems rely heavily on effective soil moisture management practices.
• Irrigated agriculture systems withdraw 70% of the world’s freshwater and account for 20 percent of croplands.
• The health of the soil and the quality and availability of water are interconnected.

Question:

Q.1 What is the theme for World Soil Day 2023?
a. Soil and Air: A Source of Life
b. Soil and Water: A Source of Life
c. Soil and Fire: A Source of Life
d. Soil and Earth: A Source of Life