The agriculture department in Buxar has intensified efforts to increase farmers' income and maintain soil fertility in the district. For the financial year 2026-27, the department has set a target of testing 3,090 soil samples collected from various panchayats across the district.
Need for Soil Testing
Agriculture expert Ram Kewal stated that many farmers apply fertilisers indiscriminately without conducting soil tests. This practice not only raises cultivation costs but also reduces the natural fertility of the soil. He emphasised that fertiliser application based on soil test reports can help farmers reduce expenses while improving soil health and crop productivity.
Testing Parameters
At the modern soil testing laboratory located in the District Agriculture Office, soil samples will be examined on 12 parameters. Lab technician and agriculture coordinator Sachchidanand Singh explained that the tests include analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, salts, and pH value in the soil.
Soil Health Cards
After testing, farmers will be issued soil health cards mentioning nutrient deficiencies in their fields and the exact quantity of fertilisers required for better crop yield. Officials noted that the cards will help farmers apply balanced nutrients, improve soil fertility, and enhance agricultural production.
Implementation Strategy
The agriculture department has asked agriculture coordinators, assistant technology managers (ATMs), and block technology managers (BTMs) to collect soil samples using scientific methods. Farmer advisors will assist them at the grassroots level. District agriculture officer Mahendra Kumar said soil sample collection is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting farmers in increasing production.
