In a move aimed at improving agricultural practices and reducing input costs, Ludhiana will soon have 55 new village-level soil testing labs spread across its 11 agricultural blocks. This initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Jitendra Jorwal, is designed to offer farmers easy access to affordable soil testing without the need for long-distance travel.

During a meeting with officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, and Cooperative departments, Jorwal announced that five soil testing labs would be set up in each of the district’s 11 blocks. The Cooperative Department will be responsible for appointing village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) who will collect soil samples from the designated areas. To qualify for the role, applicants must have completed at least Grade 10 with a science background and possess basic computer skills.

Once selected, the VLEs will receive specialized training from agriculture officials to effectively collect and analyze soil samples. For each sample collected, VLEs will be paid Rs 300, with an annual target of 3,000 samples per VLE.

This new system will provide farmers with timely, accurate soil analysis reports, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizer application and soil management. With the help of soil health cards, farmers will receive customized nutrient recommendations based on their soil’s condition. The initiative will not only raise awareness about soil health but also help optimize fertilizer use, reducing both the financial burden on farmers and the risks associated with over- or under-application of fertilizers.

Furthermore, the program will facilitate the collection of local soil data, which can be used for future agricultural studies, policy formation, and the development of region-specific farming practices. DC Jorwal emphasized that the excessive use of fertilizers, due to a lack of proper knowledge about soil requirements, has led to significant financial strain on farmers and deteriorating soil health, which ultimately impacts crop yields.