Ground Report

Suratgarh (PIB-GR-TYP-BIN): On the occasion of launching of Soil Health Card Scheme and presentation of Krishi Karman Awards by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Radha Mohan Singh said that the Soil Health card will not only contain details of soil fertility but will also provide fertilizer recommendation. Mr. Singh mentioned that the card will be renewed at 3 year interval.

Present on the occasion were Governor of Rajasthan Mr. Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Mrs. Vasundhara Raje and Chief Minister of Punjab Mr. Prakash Singh Badal.

The Minister for Agriculture emphasized that in absence of knowledge about soil health and adequate fertilizer recommendations, farmers often adopt excessive use of nitrogen which not only deteriorates the quality of agricultural products but also enhances nitrate content in ground water and creates several environmental problems. Hence farmers must have correct information about the health of their soil.

Mr. Singh said that in order to ensure soil test based fertilizer use by the farmers, the Prime Minister has decided to make available Soil Health Card to each farmer, therefore, Government of India is launching today a new centrally sponsored Soil health Card Scheme.

On this occasion, Krishi Karman Awards were also presented, Mr. Singh mentioned that this year Krishi Karman Award for excellent agriculture production is given to 9 States and Appreciation Certificate to 5 Sates. Besides, 18 farmers of 9 States who have contributed to food-grain and oil seed production are being awarded in view of the significance of Krishi Karman Award.

(Courtesy: PIB)