‘Soil Hero’ Recognition
- Background: V.T. Valluvan, a 59-year-old organic farmer from Coimbatore district, secured third place in the ‘Soil Hero’ competition organized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- He received this award for improving the soil organic carbon content of his farm to 1.56%.
- This marks the first time an Indian has received this international recognition.
About ‘Soil Hero’
- It is also known as ‘Soil Health Champion’ or ‘Soil Hero’.
- This initiative was launched by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the Global Soil Partnership.
- Objective: To recognize farmers and land managers who employ innovative and regenerative agricultural practices that improve soil quality.
Key Focus
- Improving soil health.
- Increasing soil organic matter.
- Preventing soil degradation and promoting sustainable land management.

