Farmers given soil health cards

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) at Peruvannamuzhi has started distribution of soil health cards. The card gives basic information of the soil in which each farmer cultivates. It also recommends the probable crops which can be taken up for cultivation

The KVK in Peruvannamuzhi is the first to initiate this programme in the State. The programme is aimed at helping farmers reap the optimum output from their limited holdings.

Soil testing

Ward-level campaigns in select panchayats of Kozhikode are being organised to make the farming community aware of the importance of soil testing and to collect soil samples for preparation of health cards.

KVK also plans to complete soil fertility map of the district. With the help of soil testing facilities and health cards, farmers will find it easier to adopt scientific fertilization of soil to get quality products and ensure maintenance of soil health, a spokesman for IISR said here on Friday. “The facility can be had at just Rs.20,” said Prakash, Subject Matter Specialist at KVK. The soil health card was issued to farmers by K.U.K. Nampoothiri, former Director of CPCRI and member, Research Advisory Committee of IISR, at a function organised at KVK on Friday.

A website in Malayalam, www.spices.res.in/kvk/malayalam, was also launched on Friday by N. Mohanakumaran, Chairman, Research Advisory Committee of IISR.