Dharmanagar, Sep 04, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Dharmanagar Sept 04: With an aim to diagnose the nutrient deficiencies in soil and work towards improving the lacking nutrients for better yields, soil testing is utmost important, said Debjani Das, Program Assistant of Panisagar Agricultural Science Centre.
As per directives of the Central Government, to boost agricultural development, two blocks in North Tripura district, Damcherra RD Block under Panisagar Sub-division and Dasda RD Block under Kanchanpur Sub-division, have been earmarked under NITI Aayog.
Recently, soil samples collected from 2062 agricultural lands in Damcherra and Dasda blocks were tested at the Soil Testing Centre under the Agricultural Science Centre of Panisagar subdivision.
The analysed soil samples were later handed over to the farmers, who have been informed about the necessary steps to take for lands with low fertility.
Talking to Tripura Times, Debjani Das, Program Assistant highlighted the importance of Soil testing. She said, “Soil testing plays a crucial role in the development of agriculture. This process determines soil fertility and suitability for cultivation by analysing various chemical and physical properties of the soil, such as pH level, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium levels, and organic matter content. Based on these analyses, farmers receive guidance on the appropriate use of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, which helps in enhancing both the quantity and quality of crop production”.
She added, after testing soils from around 2062 lands, it could be learnt that ‘Some lands have good fertility, but specific instructions have been given for lands with low fertility’.
Dr. Soumendra Kumar, Senior Scientist and Officer-in-Charge of the Agricultural Science Centre, confirmed that the tests of 2062 soil samples have been completed.
“Farmers have been advised to take necessary steps based on the results,” he said.
This initiative, under the Central Government’s NITI Aayog, aims to aid the development of backward blocks in North Tripura.