Patna: In a major step toward improving agricultural productivity, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha announced the establishment of village-level soil testing laboratories in all 470 blocks of the state during the current financial year.
The initiative, launched under the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme, aims to provide farmers with timely and accessible testing of their field soil. This will allow them to receive scientific guidance on crop rotation, appropriate fertilizer use, and soil improvement strategies. According to Vijay, the move is expected to increase both crop production and productivity while reducing the cost of cultivation—ultimately enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Vijay stated that the initiative will not only bring agricultural technology to rural areas but also generate self-employment opportunities for educated but unemployed youth. Currently, 72 soil testing laboratories are operational across various blocks, and the government plans to expand this network by setting up one lab in each of the state’s blocks.
The minister also shared that efforts are underway to improve soil health in regions affected by extreme alkalinity or acidity, which severely reduces crop yield and causes financial losses for farmers. Alkaline soils in panchayats across 34 districts and acidic soils in 4 districts have been identified for targeted improvement.
In addition, based on soil sample data collected in recent years, the state will provide micronutrient support—including zinc and boron—to 1,900 hectares of farmland, with 500 hectares in each district receiving the treatment. This effort is aimed at restoring soil fertility and ensuring higher crop yields.
