Punjab agriculture department begins collecting soil samples for scientific analysis

The Agriculture Department, Patiala has launched a special campaign to collect soil samples and provide scientific guidance to farmers for the upcoming Kharif (monsoon) season.

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Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Jaswinder Singh informed that the district has been assigned a target of collecting 16,500 soil samples. So far, more than 10,000 samples have already been collected, and the campaign will continue throughout June.

He said nitrogen deficiency was the most commonly found in the soil samples collected in the district. The sample collection helps the department in guiding the farmers about the amount of fertilizer requirement in the field. This saves the excessive and unnecessary use to fertilizer.

He further shared the block-wise collection data: 458 samples from Bhunarheri, 1,491 from Ghanaur, 998 from Nabha, 865 from Patiala, 1,095 from Patran, 1,510 from Rajpura, 1,204 from Samana, and 1,896 from Sanaur.

Singh urged farmers to utilize fertilizers based on soil testing reports to improve productivity and protect soil health. He also advised against the cultivation of Pusa-44 and hybrid varieties, which can lead to long-term soil degradation. Additionally, he encouraged farmers to take advantage of government schemes such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.

To spread awareness at the grassroots level, the Agriculture Department has organized camps across various villages. These outreach activities are being conducted by departmental staff including Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs), Agriculture Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), Block Technology Managers (BTMs), and Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs).

Awareness camps have been held in villages including Daun Kalan, Faridpur, Kauli, Alohra Kalan, Alohra Khurd, Swai Singh Wala, Jalalabad, Chauth, Dhingi, Sadohedi, Bohar Kalan, Bohar Khurd, Chaudhri Majra, Uchagaon, Lachkani, Kheri Manian, Mandaur, Ghamrauda, Lang, Chalaila and Kotli.