Agriculture Minister P Srinivas Reddy today stressed the need for protecting the health of soil by using organic fertilizers to get more produce through agricultural activities to cater to the needs of the people.
Participating in “World Soil Day” celebrations at Indira Priayadarshini Auditorium here, he said that compared to Japan, China and America, India is witnessing reduction in agriculture produce. Keeping this in view the agriculture scientists should focus on getting more yield through innovative ideas. The Government is committed to encourage the agriculture sector and will give “soil health cards” to every farmer in the state based on which they can choose crops and fertilizers and seeds, he said. The government is determined to give soil health cards to the farmers. The farmers, he said, will get timely suggestions through an agriculture extension official. Along with officials and farmers, the minister pledged to protect soil health.
Agriculture Commissioner Jangamohan expressed concern that nature of soil is being changed and good bacteria that strengthens the soil health is destroyed and posing a grave danger for mankind, trees and environment. He said that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has formed new districts and appointed agriculture officers for every district. Soon they will appoint extension officers to offer better services to the farm sector. Now it is the time to protect the soil health and the scientists in coordination with the officials.
Post Master General PVS Reddy who attended the conference said that post offices will participate in extension services to the farmers and will help reduce the cost by half to shift goods for farm activities from 25 – 30 per cent to transport general goods to 10- 15 per cent. Agriculture Scientist Surendra Babu said that there are 22 types of soils. He said that fertilizers should be used based on soil test and said that urea use can be reduced to half extent.(NSS)