MORE than 828 million people worldwide suffered from the severe impacts of famine in 2021, with one in ten facing critical situations and struggling to access nutritious food. In this context, the loss and degradation of soil used for crop cultivation exacerbate global hunger, according to the press release of the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The growing global population and soil degradation may result in less individual sown acreage by 2025, potentially amounting to just a quarter of the land available in 1960, ac­cording to the United Nations FAO. This highlights the critical role soil plays in the agricultural sector to ensure a steady food supply for the world.

Although agricultural technologies are improving, excessive use of chemicals is degrading the soil layer, leading to the loss of arable land and deforestation. Additionally, the process of global warming is further de­grading fertile soil. To date, 33 per cent of the world’s soil has been deteriorating. Scientists have warned that if countries do not take ac­tion to conserve soil layers in time, the world will face food shortages, which could lead to significant social problems.

Myanmar is facing de­forestation, unregulated mining practices, and un­systematic slash-and-burn methods, all of which contrib­ute to soil erosion. Natural disasters, such as flooding and landslides, also cause significant soil loss. While humans cannot fully prevent the impacts of these disas­ters, storms and floods ex­acerbate the destruction of soil layers.

Soil erosion is primarily caused by torrential rains and the rapid flow of water in creeks and rivers. Steep slopes can accelerate the movement of water from hilly areas to the plains, leading to the erosion of soil layers. As a result, the quality of soil declines, reducing fertile land available for crop cultivation. This can lead to food shortages and reliance on low-quality food. Additionally, soil erosion may contribute to desertification, environmental degradation, and the loss of biodiversity. These environmental challenges can further worsen the socioeconomic conditions of affected communities.

Everyone should recognize that the soil layer is an in­valuable natural resource for society, essential in producing agricultural food. Healthy soil is the lifeblood of the Earth. Scientists have stated that it takes more than 500 years to form just one inch of soil. Therefore, all countries worldwide must implement effective policies to prevent soil degradation as a crucial strategy. Only when people round the world prioritize soil protection will the loss of arable land for food production be halted.