3,090 soil samples to be tested in Buxar

Buxar: The agriculture department has intensified efforts to increase farmers’ income and maintain soil fertility in the district. For the financial year 2026-27, the department has fixed a target of testing 3,090 soil samples collected from different panchayats across the district.

Agriculture expert Ram Kewal said many farmers apply fertilisers indiscriminately without conducting soil tests. This practice not only raises cultivation costs but also reduces the natural fertility of the soil.

He said fertiliser application based on soil test reports can help farmers reduce expenses while improving soil health and crop productivity. At the modern soil testing laboratory located in the District Agriculture Office, soil samples will be examined on 12 parameters.

Lab technician and agriculture coordinator Sachchidanand Singh said the tests include analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, salts and pH value in the soil. After testing, farmers will be issued soil health cards mentioning nutrient deficiencies in their fields and the exact quantity of fertilisers required for better crop yield. Officials said the cards will help farmers apply balanced nutrients, improve soil fertility and enhance agricultural production.

The agriculture department has asked agriculture coordinators, assistant technology managers (ATMs) and block technology managers (BTMs) to collect soil samples using scientific methods. Farmer advisors will assist them at the grassroots level. District agriculture officer Mahendra Kumar said soil sample collection is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting farmers in increasing production.