Patiala, June 13 — In a major step toward promoting sustainable farming practices, the Agriculture Department in Patiala has launched a special campaign to collect soil samples and offer scientific advice to farmers ahead of the upcoming Kharif season.
Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Jaswinder Singh stated that the district has been given a target of collecting 16,500 soil samples, of which more than 10,000 have already been gathered. The initiative will continue through June and aims to help farmers make informed decisions regarding fertilizer use.
“Initial analysis shows nitrogen deficiency is the most prevalent issue in the soil samples collected so far,” said Dr Singh. “By using soil testing reports, farmers can apply fertilizers in the correct proportion, which improves productivity and prevents excessive, harmful usage.”
Block-wise progress:
- Bhunarheri – 458 samples
- Ghanaur – 1,491 samples
- Nabha – 998 samples
- Patiala – 865 samples
- Patran – 1,095 samples
- Rajpura – 1,510 samples
- Samana – 1,204 samples
- Sanaur – 1,896 samples
Dr Singh advised farmers to avoid cultivating Pusa-44 and other hybrid paddy varieties, warning that these can degrade soil quality over time. He also encouraged the farming community to make use of welfare schemes like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
To spread awareness at the grassroots level, the department is holding village-level outreach camps. Staff from various wings — including Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), Extension Officers (AEOs), Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), Block Technology Managers (BTMs), and Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) — are engaging directly with farmers.
Villages covered so far include:
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.
Officials say that proper fertilizer use based on soil reports not only enhances crop yield but also protects the long-term health of the soil, ensuring sustainable agriculture for future generations.
