Chandigarh, November 5, 2024: The Punjab Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has distributed over one lakh soil test reports to farmers, aimed at helping them boost crop yields with lower input costs.
Through these tests, farmers receive insights into soil health, enabling them to optimize fertilizer use and improve crop production sustainably, according to government officials.
Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has set a goal to test at least 2.5 lakh soil samples this financial year.
“So far, 1,16,117 samples have been analyzed by our 58 soil testing laboratories across the state,” he said. He also encouraged farmers to test their soil before sowing, stressing that these tests reveal essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Khudian explained that knowing the soil’s nutrient content allows farmers to achieve higher yields and apply fertilizers precisely as needed.
“By regularly monitoring soil health, farmers can understand whether the soil is acidic or alkaline, helping them choose suitable crops,” he added. With this information, farmers can reduce both their fertilizer expenses and the environmental impact.
Jaswant Singh, Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, advised farmers to consider alternatives to DAP, as recommended by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
“Instead of one bag of DAP, farmers can use 75 kg of NPK (12:32:16) per acre, or other equivalent combinations such as 150 kg of Single Super Phosphate (SSP) with 20 kg of Urea per acre, to achieve similar results for wheat crops,” Singh explained.
He also urged farmers to incorporate organic and indigenous fertilizers, which can improve soil structure and promote healthier, more sustainable land use. This soil testing initiative is part of Punjab’s broader strategy to support farmers in reducing costs and moving toward environmentally-friendly farming practices.
