The Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal today inaugurated a village level soil testing laboratory established under centrally sponsored scheme (NMSA) during 2021-22 at Shadipora Sumbal in Bandipora.
Addressing a large gathering of farmers at the inaugural event of village level soil testing lab, the Director reiterated the department's commitment to the development of the farming community in the region.He said that the soil testing lab will not only cater to the needs of the farming community of Shadipora but it will also meet the soil testing demands of other catchment areas of Sumbal sub-division.
Highlighting the importance of soil health in agriculture, the Director said that it is the most important resource for successful crop cultivation. “We are the custodians of this inevitable resource for our generation to come’’ he further said.
He also held an interactive session with some seed producers and agri-entrepreneurs and assured them of every possible technical support from the department.Director impressed upon the officers/officials of the department to raise awareness among the farming community at grass roots level regarding the importance of soil health.
He also distributed soil health cards among the farmers.Later, the Director conducted a field visit to Chonchun, Kresbal zone Qamarwari and took stock of the implementation of organic vegetable cultivation and other centrally sponsored schemes.