Tamil Nadu - Dindigul   

Soil test to be conducted in 25 Dindigul villages

DINDIGUL: Gandhigram Trust and M.S. Swaminathan Reserarch Foundation would conduct soil test for agriculture lands under its service villages in Athoor, Dindigul and Nilakottai blocks to assist farmers in selecting suitable crop and scaling down use of fertilisers for cultivation, said trust treasurer K. Shiva Kumar.

Speaking to press persons after kick-starting test of soil samples collected from these blocks here on Friday, he said that the trust would conduct soil test in 25 of its service villages in the first phase. Progressive farmers would be encouraged to take up organic farming.

The plan was to test 450 samples of soil. In the first phase, 100 samples would be tested and soil health card issued after test. In subsequent phases, 350 samples would be tested.

The level of organic matter, phosphate, potash, metals, minerals and quantum micro nutrients would be tested and documented in the health card. On the basis of results, experts would offer suggestions to farmers.

“We also plan to test water used for irrigation since water quality plays a crucial role in cultivation. Above all, we want to create awareness among farmers on the importance of soil test, a basic requirement for good agriculture practices. Many farmers do not understand the benefits of the soil test. The ultimate aim of the project is to assist small and tiny farmers,” he said.

Foundation advisor B.S. Nagarajan said that the soil profile would be sent to the Chennai office for expert opinion. Scientists and experts would examine the profile and guide farmers in selecting crop and application of fertilisers and quantum of water. Farmers could interact with scientists through video conferencing from the village resource centres at Sempatti for any clarification. Arrangements would be made for the interaction, he added.

Soil test must be done before the rain. Conducting test after rain will be of no use. To begin with, a mobile soil testing lab of the foundation had been set up at Gandhigram Trust premises to enable farmers to do soil test. Later, the lab will go to respective villages and do the testing. Moreover, one-to-one interaction was essential for every farmer to get individual guidance, he added. Technical experts from the foundation explained farmers on soil testing.

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