9 May: The Agriculture Department Jammu and Kashmir is strengthening support for farmers through improved agricultural services, with the soil testing laboratory at the Talab Tillo Agriculture Centre emerging as a key facility for promoting scientific farming practices.
The laboratory is providing free soil testing services to farmers, helping them assess soil health before sowing crops. Officials said the initiative is aimed at enabling farmers to make informed agricultural decisions, improve productivity, and ensure balanced use of fertilizers and nutrients.
According to experts, understanding soil quality and nutrient levels is essential for sustainable farming and better crop yields. The facility allows farmers to identify deficiencies in the soil and adopt suitable cropping patterns based on scientific recommendations.
Assistant Soil Chemist Chandra Shekhar Sharma said the laboratory conducts tests for both macro and micro nutrients present in the soil. He explained that the service helps farmers understand the exact nutrient requirements of their fields in advance, allowing them to plan cultivation more effectively.
Officials added that proper soil analysis not only improves agricultural productivity but also helps reduce unnecessary fertilizer usage, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
Farmers visiting the centre have welcomed the initiative, stating that access to free soil testing can help them improve crop management and make better decisions regarding seed selection and nutrient application.
The Agriculture Department has been focusing on modernising farming practices and encouraging scientific methods to enhance agricultural output across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities believe that soil testing facilities play an important role in supporting sustainable agriculture and increasing farmers’ incomes.
Experts also noted that healthy soil is the foundation of successful farming and that regular testing can help prevent long-term degradation of agricultural land.
The Talab Tillo facility is expected to benefit a large number of farmers in the region by providing reliable information and technical guidance before each cropping season.
