Soil testing before sowing helps farmers choose crops wisely, reduce costs, and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability overall.
Shiralakoppa
Emphasizing the importance of scientific farming practices, Lok Sabha Member B.Y. Raghavendra said that farmers must understand the health of their soil before deciding on crops and fertilizers to ensure better productivity and reduced costs.
He was speaking after inaugurating a modern soil testing laboratory set up at the Udutadi Farmers Producer Organization campus in Shiralakoppa. The facility is expected to provide scientific and technology-driven agricultural support to farmers in the region.
Raghavendra said that the goal of sustainable agriculture can be achieved only when farmers adopt scientific methods based on soil fertility analysis. He stressed that proper soil testing helps reduce unnecessary expenditure on fertilizers while improving crop yield.
He added that the newly established soil testing center, operating under the theme “Know Your Soil,” will bring technical and digital agricultural services to the grassroots level. The facility is expected to benefit farmers in Shiralakoppa and surrounding areas by enabling informed agricultural decisions.
Karnataka BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra also addressed the event and appreciated the efforts of MP Raghavendra in prioritising basic agricultural needs. He noted that the allocation of funds for the soil testing center reflects a strong commitment towards farmer welfare and rural development.
Officials present at the inauguration included Agricultural Society taluk president Mahesh Hulmar, Managing Director Anoop, Joint Agriculture Director Dr. Kiran Kumar, Assistant Agriculture Director Kiran Kumar Harthi, former MADB chairman K.S. Gurumurthy and others.
Experts at the event highlighted that soil testing plays a crucial role in improving agricultural efficiency, especially in regions dependent on monsoon and traditional farming practices. They said that awareness among farmers regarding soil health can significantly enhance long-term agricultural sustainability.
The new center is also expected to support precision farming practices by guiding farmers on crop selection, fertilizer usage and soil management techniques based on scientific data.
Authorities expressed confidence that the initiative will strengthen agricultural productivity and support farmers in adopting modern, data-driven farming methods for better economic outcomes.
