Soil testing service in India began in 1955-56 with the soil testing laboratory at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) as the hub to coordinate with all the other soil testing laboratories in the country.
Read MoreIn Uttar Pradesh soil is losing its fertility content. Near about 74 districts of the state have reported a low level of black humus, a carbon compound vital for fertility of the soil. The state government had send a proposal to centre for seeking a fund of Rs 10 crore under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
Read MoreAccording to an agronomist and former agricultural officer, P.K. Pushpangathan, fertility of soil should be examined periodically and appropriate measures need to be adopted for optimum yield. The soil testing laboratories intended to perform the role are unequipped to test micronutrients, leading to a low-yield crop pattern.
Read MoreIn the district, World Soil Day was celebrated on 5th December. While the district administration launched, to educate farmers about collection of soil samples and use of nutrients, distribution of soil testing cards to 95,000 farmers all over the district and teams were sent, a voluntary organisation, the Bhagavatula Charitable Trust-Krushi Vignana Kendram at Elamanchili, organised a programme to mark the day.
Read MoreMinister for Sports and Youth Welfare S. Sundararaj has exhorted farmers for increased production and apply minimum fertilizers, test the health of the soil and cultivate the recommended crops.
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