Development of Crop Colonies and Soil Water Analysis- Guidelines

GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA
ABSTRACT
Agriculture and Cooperation Department – Implementation of the Scheme of
“Development of Crop Colonies and Soil Water Analysis” in the State- Approval
of Project and Guidelines – Accorded – Orders - Issued.

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AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATION (AGRI.II) DEPARTMENT
G.O.Rt. No.130  Dated 12 -03-2015
Read the following:-
1. From the Director of Agriculture, Telangana, Hyderabad
Lr.No.Plg(2)5/2014, Dated 22-01-2015.
2. Govt.Memo.No.536/Agri.II(1)/2015,Dated 03-02-2015.
3. From the Director of Agriculture, Telangana, Hyderabad
Lr.No.Plg(2)5/2014, Dated 24-02-2015.
ORDER:

In the references 1 st and 3 rd read above, the Director of Agriculture,
Telangana, Hyderabad has stated that the Government have allocated Budget
towards Implementation of the Scheme of “Development of Crop Colonies & Soil
Water Analysis” for Soil Resource mapping, Setting up of new Labs, Training to
Young Farmers, Training on Integrated farming, Training of development of Crop
Colonies etc., Accordingly, the Director of Agriculture, Telangana, Hyderabad
has submitted the project proposals along with guidelines and requested to
accord approval for implementation of the Scheme.

2.  Government, after careful examination of the proposal, hereby accord
approval for implementation of the Scheme of “Development of Crop Colonies &
Soil Water Analysis” in the State, as per the Scheme and guidelines annexed to
this order.

3.  The Director of Agriculture, Telangana, Hyderabad shall take further
action in the matter.

(BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF TELANGANA)
Dr.POONAM MALAKONDAIAH
APC & PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

ANNEXURE
Annexure to G.O.Rt.No.130, A&C (Agri.II) Dept. Dated 12-03-2015
GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME
DEVELOPMENT OF CROP COLONIES AND SOIL WATER
ANALYSIS

DEVELOPMENT OF CROP COLONIES

The following training programmes to the farmers of Telangana should be
organized through 9 FTCs (Farmers’ Training Centers) in the state with a mandate to
impart the trainings to Farmers, farm women and young farmers.

1. Training of farmers on Integrated Farming
2. Training of farmers on Development of crop colonies
3. Training to Young Farmers

To make the farmers’ trainings more effective and reach the targeted farmers
groups the Farmers Training Centers are directed to follow these guidelines scrupulously.

Methodology of implementation for organizing the Trainings:

1. Training of farmers on Integrated Farming:

It is proposed to conduct one Training in each mandal of the each district per year
to impart training to 50 farmers per mandal. The course content of the Training of
farmers on Integrated Farming will be as follows.

? Crop diversification based on farming situation with income oriented.
? Improved technology in locally cultivated crops of Vegetables, Commercial crops
like Ginger, Turmeric, Potato and fruit crops.
? Integrated farming with reference to Dry land Agriculture .
? Improved technology in cultivation of Mulberry and silkworm rearing.
? Growing of fodder crops suitable to local areas
? Creating awareness on Fish seed production and stocking
? Creating awareness on Establishing of Poultry
? Creating awareness on development of Dairying
? Creating awareness on Sheep rearing
? Creating awareness on Apiculture

Note: 4- 5 topics should be selected by the FTCs based on local situations, need specific
and profit oriented in consultation with DAATTC scientists and line departments.

1.  Training of farmers on Integrated Farming
GUIDELINES for Organizing Trainings on  Integrated Farming :

? The course will be of 2 days duration. The farmers will be reimbursed their bus
fares for reaching to the Training venue.
? Training should be scheduled from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM with 15 minutes tea
break and 30 minutes lunch break.
? He / She should be between18 to 50 years age
? He/she should have farm holdings and should practice farming.
? He/She should have communication skills in order to disseminate the technology
to fellow farmers
? Trainee should be preferably a progressive farmer.
? Select 2-3 progressive farmers per each village of every Mandal. For each training
50 farmers should be allowed.
? Tea, biscuits and lunch would be served to the farmers, extension staff and as well
Trainers/Resource persons on training days
? Trainings should be organized in co-ordination with the Agricultural allied
Departments DAATTC scientists, university of Agriculture and Bankers.
? Ensure the participation of Bankers to create awareness on financial assistance in
each agricultural & allied sectors’ enterprises.
? 4- 5 topics of course content should be selected by the FTCs based on local
situations , need specific and profit oriented in consultation with DAATTC
scientists and Allied departments
? The training schedules and topics to be dealt should be sent for approval of
competent authority prior to starting of trainings.
? Select the topics those gratify the local needs of the farming, better utilization of
available resources and profit oriented which instill the confidence in the farmers
towards agriculture

2.  Training of farmers on Development of Crop Colonies:

It is proposed to conduct trainings to Rice, Maize, Pulses and Oilseeds growing
farmers on Development of Crop colonies in the districts one training in Kharif and one
in Rabi season through (9) FTCs to impart knowledge on improved cultivation practices
in the respective crops. The course content of the Training of farmers on Development
of crop colonies will be as follows:

? Cropping Systems based on farming situations.
? Improved technology in cultivation of Rice, Maize, Redgram, Bengalgram,
Groundnut, Soybean ,Castor, sunflower and safflower specific to local situations
? Soil test based fertilizer application and INM Focusing the reduction in the usage
of fertilizers so as to reduce the cost of cultivation and to improve the soil health
condition.
? IPM and ICM
? Importance of Organic farming in Rice, Maize, Redgram, Bengalgram,
Groundnut, Soybean ,Castor, sunflower and safflower specific to local situation.
? Mulching and use of anti-transpirants to minimize the demand for irrigation
water.
? Creating awareness on Micro-irrigation.
? Farm mechanization and post harvest technology in Rice, Maize, Redgram,
Bengalgram, Groundnut, Soybean ,Castor, sunflower and safflower specific to
local situation.
? Creating awareness on production of Quality seed to meet the marketing
standards to get good marketing price
? Creating awareness on scale of finance for crops and crop insurance.
? Creating awareness on value addition products
Note: Additional Topics may be added by the FTCs based on local situations, need
specific and profit oriented in consultation with DAATTC Scientists.

GUIDELINES  FOR  ORGANIZING  TRAINING  OF  FARMERS  ON
DEVELOPMENT OF CROP COLONIES:

? The course will be of 2 days duration. The farmers will be reimbursed their bus
fares for reaching to the Training venue.
? Training should be scheduled from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM with 15 minutes tea
break and 30 minutes lunch break.
? He / She should be between18 to 50 years age and should have farm holdings.
? He/She should have communication skills in order to disseminate the technology
to fellow farmers
? Trainee should be preferably a progressive farmer and cultivate that particular
crop.
? For each training 50 farmers of that concerned crop colony should be allowed.
? Tea, biscuits and lunch would be served to the farmers, extension staff and as well
Trainers/Resource persons on training days
? Trainings should be organized in co-ordination with the DAATTC scientists,
university of Agriculture and Bankers.
? Ensure the participation of Bankers to create awareness on scale of finance for
crops and premium for crop insurance.
? Select the topics those gratify the local needs of the farming, better utilization of
available resources and profit oriented which instill the confidence in the farmers
towards agriculture.

3. Training to Young Farmers:

It is proposed to conduct four trainings/Month per District for 50 young farmers
per Training through (9) FTCs to orient them towards farming. The course content of
Training to Young Farmers broadly will be as follows.

• Low cost cultivation technology in locally specific crops
• Production of ornamental flowers through Green house technology (poly houses)
• Post harvest technology for Vegetables ,ginger, Turmeric, Potato and fruit crops,
• Modernization in Farm mechanization specific to reduction of manual labour and
creating of awareness on custom hiring centers.
• Creating awareness on export quality parameters of commercial crops
(eg.minimum pesticides residues levels in chillies etc.) and fruits crops.
• Creating awareness on usage of Solar energy to curtail the usage of electrical
power (for eg: solar pumps,fencing etc.)
• Creating awareness on Micro-irrigation
• Creating awareness on production of Quality seed to meet the marketing
standards to get good marketing price
• Organic farming in locally specified remunerative commercial crops, vegetables
and fruit crops
• Improved technology in cultivation of Mulberry and silkworm rearing.
• Fodder production.
• Integrated farming systems.

Note: 4- 5 topics should be selected by the FTCs based on local situations, need specific
and profit oriented in consultation with DAATTC scientists and line departments. One of
the topics should be integrated farming systems.

GUIDELINES for Training to Young Farmers:

? The course will be of 2 days duration. The farmers will be reimbursed their bus
fares for reaching to the Training venue.
? Training should be scheduled from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM with 15 minutes tea
break and 30 minutes lunch break.
? He/ She Should be between 20-35 years age and should have farm holdings
? He /she should practice the farming
? He/ She should have communication skills in order to disseminate the technology
to fellow young farmers
? Trainee should be preferably a progressive young farmer.
? Select 2-3 progressive farmers per each village of each Mandal. For each training

50 farmers should be allowed.

? Tea, biscuits and lunch would be served to the farmers, extension staff and as well
Trainers/Resource persons on training days
? Trainings should be organized in co-ordination with the Agricultural allied
Departments DAATTC scientists, university of Agriculture and Bankers.
? Ensure the participation of Bankers to create awareness on financial assistance in
each agricultural & allied sectors’ enterprises.
? 4- 5 topics of course content should be selected by the FTCs based on local
situations , need specific and profit oriented in consultation with DAATTC
scientists and Allied departments
? The training schedules and topics to be dealt should be sent for approval of
competent authority prior to starting of trainings.
? Select the topics those gratify the local needs of the farming, better utilization of
available resources and profit oriented which instill the confidence in the farmers
towards agriculture

GENERAL GUIDELINES TO ALL 3 COURSES:

? Since the FTCs are dearth of staff, Resource persons/Subject matter specialist
should be invited from the concerned Departments, PJTSAU/Research institutes
/DAATTC or retired Department experts association to deliver the guest lectures
on above said topics and will be paid an honorarium of Rs 1000/- per day per head.
? Videos of course topics will also be shown to the participants for effective
presentation on topics and Field trip should be organized on course topics as seeing
is believing.
? Literature for the above course will be elicited in consultation with University
Scientists, DAATTC scientists and Allied departments with specific reference to
each district and farming situation and supplied during trainings to participants.
? The training schedules and topics to be dealt should be sent for approval of
competent authority prior to starting of trainings.
? The course should have interaction sessions with the farmers by the resource
persons..
? Field Trip should be organized to the participants on last day of the training.
? Concentration must be given to habitations with predominant SC, ST population
and cover number of small and marginal farmers.
? Whenever trainings are organized in tribal areas, the ITDA officials’ co-
ordination may be sought for.
? Create awareness on Soil Test based fertilizer recommendations focusing on the
impact point that any company fertilizer with required nutrients, can be used
without giving priority to a particular brand or company product.
? Maintain the record of the details of Trainees per each training.
? Focusing the reduction in the usage of fertilizers so as to reduce the cost of
cultivation and to improve the soil health condition.
? Focus on Water management and improvement of water use efficiency,
importance of I.D. crops, SMSRI and Direct seeding of paddy.
? Farm Mechanization & Organic Farming focusing on Vermicomposting, NADEP
composting, exclusively to farm women.
? Maintain the record of the details of Trainees per each training.
? Maintain the SC, ST ratio and 30% women participation in the trainings.
? Monitoring should be done by the concerned District JDAs for proper
implementation of the programme.
? The training schedules must be sent to the O/o C&DA for monitoring and to visit
the training programmes.
? Prepare the documentation on these trainings and submit to the C&DA. Take the
feed back and suggestions from the trainees and record it to perform the useful
trainings for farmers.
Pattern of Financial Assistance for each Training:
The total cost for organizing each training is estimated at Rs.32500 for all three
courses. The pattern of financial assistance for following training components of each
training for all three courses is as follows.
Training Components:
1. Reimbursement of travelling charges to farmers:
The travelling charges will be reimbursed to farmer duly producing the tickets
limited to Rs 50/- per day per farmer. An amount of Rs. 5000/- is allocated to this
component for two days training.
2. Providing Snacks, Tea and Lunch:
For each training two times tea and snacks and one lunch will be provided to the
farmers. An amount of Rs. 10000/- is allocated to this component for 50 farmers. For tea,
snacks and lunch Rs.100/- is provided for each farmer.
3. Eliciting literature:
Literature for the course contents should be prepared in consultation with
concerned DATTC/University scientists and agriculture allied sectors. The amount
allocated for this component is Rs.2500/- for 50 farmers @Rs. 50/- per each farmer.
4. Mobility:
An amount of Rs.3000/- is allocated towards mobility for two days @ Rs 1500/-
per day to bring the resource persons to the training venue.
5. Training arrangements :
For preparation of banners/ flexies , erect tents and for arranging public
addressing systems etc., an amount of Rs,300/- is allocated @ Rs, 1500/- per day.
6. Field Trip:
The farmers should be taken to the field trip at the end of the each training which
is related to the concerned course . For this an amount of Rs. 4000/- is allocated @ Rs.
80/- per farmer.
7. Honorarium to Resource persons:
Resource persons/Subject matter specialists should be invited from the concerned
Departments, PJTSAU/Research institutes /DAATTC or from retired Department experts
association to deliver the guest lectures on concerned course topics. An honorarium of Rs
1000/- will be paid per day per head.
8. Miscellaneous :
An amount of Rs.2000/- is allocated to meet the miscellaneous expenditures like
hiring of generators when the curtail in power supply, to capture the training Photos and
for preparation of Documentation etc.
The guidelines are drafted for successful implementation of farmers trainings under
Development of Crop Colonies and soil Water analysis for three courses as mentioned
above and are submitted to accord administrative approval to organize trainings during
the year 2014-15.
SOIL WATER ANALYSIS
Under this component, three sub components are there:
1. Soil Resource Mapping
2. Mission Soil Health Card
3. Setting up of Soil Testing Labs
Guidelines f or implementation of Soil Resource Mapping (Land Resource
Inventory of Telangana State)
Introduction:-
Soil survey was earlier carried out of the entire country by National Bureau of
Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) ICAR at 1:250,000 scale for district
level planning. Moreover, some of the states have been partly or fully covered through
soil survey at 1:50, 000 scale for taluk/mandal level planning. However, lack of site
specific data, particularly on soils and situations- specific recommendations have been
the cause of failure for most of the developmental schemes that have been in operation in
the country. Site specific soil and site characteristics are prerequisites for developing such
site specific land use plans. Land resource inventory consisting of soil and site
characteristics on 1:10000 scales provides such database, which sets the path for using
right land use and right agro-techniques on each parcel of land.
Telangana is one of the pioneer states to have taken up soil mapping at 1:50,000
scale in all the districts. The maps are expected to be ready by the end of year 2014-15.
Medak district is one, which has been surveyed by NBSS&LUP at this scale. In further
advancement in the endeavour, the Govt. of Telangana has expressed keen interest in
initiating the LRI Project in the state and invited the authorities of NBSS&LUP to give a
presentation on the proposed LRI Project methodology, coordination, etc. The officials
from the Govt. of Telangana and Prof. Jai Shankar Telangana State Agricultural
University (PJTSAU) had attended the meeting, which was chaired by APC and Principal
Secretary (Agril.). All the participants have agreed launching the LRI Project under the
terms and conditions contained in the Memorandum of Understanding.
1. PARTIES CONCERNED:
a. Commissioner & Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Telangana, Hyderabad
b. Director, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, ICAR,
Nagpur.
2. SCOPE OF WORK:
The aim of the project is to:
1.  To characterize and map the soil resources of all the villages in different mandals
of Telangana State at 1:10000 scale.
2.  To suggest optimal land use plan at village level for intensification of agriculture
and rejuvenation of fallow lands.
3.  To develop Village level Land Resource Information System (LRIS) in GIS
environment.
3. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
Material:-
The following material or data needed for the project shall be acquired:
Satellite data:
• Cartosat 1A stereo-pair data of Telangana state for five consecutive
years from 2010 to 2014.
• Seasonal data of IRS P6 LISS-IV of Telangana state for five
consecutive years from 2010 to 2014 as well as for the base year of
2003-04.
• Cartosat DEM (Digital Elevation Model) of 10m spatial resolution.
• Digitized cadastral map of Telangana state.
Software:
• Global Mapper version 15.1 or latest.
Techniques/Methodology : Flow chart to identify cultivable and fallow lands

4. INITIATION OF THE PROJECT:
To start with, the NBSS&LUP has taken up a pilot project in three mandals from
different agro-ecological and socio-economic situations, so as to develop a
comprehensive technological backup in replicating the programme in rest of the state.
The 3 pilot project mandals are Indervelli Mandal (Adilabad District), Gajwel Mandal
(Medak District) and Thimmajipet Mandal (Mahaboobnagar District).
5. DURATION OF THE PILOT PROJECT:
The project commenced from December 2014 and the task will be completed by end
of April 2015.
6. STATE WIDE MAPPING:
Out of the total geographical area of 114.8 lakh ha, the LRI project would cover 75.8
lakh ha by excluding the area under forest and non-agricultural lands.
7. DURATION OF THE MAIN PROJECT:
Although intensive field work would demand a longer time duration, the Govt of
Telangana is desirous of completing the task in four years, commencing from May 2015
to April 2019 in a phased manner.

8. FUNDING OF THE PROJECT:
FUNDING AGENCY: Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Telangana.
While the services of NBSS&LUP and the acquisition of satellite data are obligatory
on the part of Govt. of India, the State Govt would support the working expenditure,
amounting to Rs. 18.15 crores (Table), which shall be released in phased manner. The
cost of working expenditure on soil survey is estimated to be at Rs.23 per ha.
The funds for the pilot project is estimated at Rs.25 lakhs, The said amount would not
only be required for working expenses, but also to establish initial infrastructure. This
amount will be a part of the total project cost. The balance amount of Rs. 17.90 crores
may be released in four equal instalments, commencing from April 2015.

9. DIGITIZED VILLAGE CADASTRAL MAPS:
Digitized data of village cadastral maps is a pre-requisite for commencing the
field work. It is understood that the digitization process of the village cadastral maps is
being carried out by the State Remote Sensing Centre. The state authorities have to
arrange the digital data.
10. SOIL FERTILITY MAPPING:
Surface soil samples shall be collected by the NBSS&LUP from each block of 10
ha in the three mandals proposed under pilot project and analyzed for N, P,K,S and micro
nutrients. Soil analytical data will be provided to the Dept. of Agriculture by April 2014
for preparing Soil Health Cards using Department’s software.
The soil sampling and analysis in rest of the state will, however, be organized by
the State Dept. of Agriculture.
11. PROJECT CO-ORDINATION:
It was informed that different GOI Organizations like NRSC, CRIDA, SLUSI and
State organizations like Dept. of Agriculture, PJTSAU and State Remote Sensing Centre
will be the primary organizations coordinating the project. However, the active role will
be of the Dept. of Agriculture.
12. PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION:
A regular mechanism of Project Monitoring and Evaluation shall be in force
through half yearly review meetings involving members of all the coordinating
organizations to look at the progress and the issues related with the project.
13. DELIVERABLES:
The LRI Project would provide following data in hard and soft copies
1. Village wise soil and thematic maps, duly super imposed with survey number
boundaries
2. Suggested land use and land treatment maps
3. Soil survey report of each mandal along with physico-chemical and soil profile
characteristics.
4. The entire information shall be uploaded in a web based geo portal for access to
all the functionaries and the farming community.
GUIDELINES for implementation of “Soil Health Card” scheme
Introduction:
Soil is a living medium which serves as a natural nutrient source for growth of
plants. The components of soils are mineral, organic matter, water and air, the
proportions of which vary and together form a system for plant growth.
Intensive agriculture resulted in impressive growth in food grain production
powered by improved varieties of seeds, application of fertilizers and assured irrigation.
On the other hand, it has also caused second generation problems in respect of nutrient
balance including greater mining of soil nutrients to the extent of ten million tones every
year, depleting soil fertility, emerging deficiencies of secondary and micro nutrients,
decline of water table, decreasing organic carbon content and deterioration of soil health.
Indian soils show deficiency of primary nutrients (i.e. NPK), secondary nutrients (such as
sulphur), and micronutrients (boron, zinc, copper etc.) in most parts of country.
Site specific nutrient management involving soil test based application of
fertilizers is critical to enhance fertilizer use efficiency. A fertilizer not suitable to a soil
type can be called as an incorrect fertilizer used for that soil, and fertilizer consumption
ceases to be efficient to increase production. Different types of fertilizers are required to
be used in acidic/ alkaline soils. Fertigation involving the use of water soluble fertilizers
through drip and sprinkler irrigation is expected to give better use efficiency for water
and fertilizers. Therefore it is necessary to promote use of required sources of plant
available forms of nutrients coupled with use of soil amendments in acidic/ alkaline soils
so as to enhance soil nutrient availability.
The Government of India proposed to devise a mechanism to issue Soil Health
Cards every 3 years in respect of all land holdings in order to capture the soil fertility
changes occurring due to plant uptake or other natural causes. The scheme will be
contributed 75% by Government of India and 25% by State Government.
Objectives:
? To issue soil health cards to all farmers of the State, so as to provide a basis to
include nutrient deficiencies in fertilization practices.
? To strengthen soil testing facilities and provide soil test based recommendations
to farmers for improving soil fertility and economic return to farmers.
? To develop crops specific nutrient management in the districts for enhancing
nutrient use efficiency.
? To facilitate and promote use of soil amendments for reclamation of alkaline soils
for improving their fertility and crop productivity.
? To promote use of micro nutrients for improving efficiency of fertilizer use.
Scheme components
i. Issue of Soil Health Cards: Aims at periodic distribution of Soil health cards to all
the farmers to provide information on soil fertility along with
recommendations for application of plant nutrients.
ii. Demonstration and training on application of soil test based recommendations:
Aims at popularizing the recommendations of soil health management in
targeted areas.
iii. Promotion of Nutrient Management Practices: Aims to provide financial
assistance to farmers to apply corrective measures for nutrient deficiencies
and popularizing balance and integrated nutrient management practices for
their cropping systems.
iv. Identify soil fertility related constraints and develop need based fertilizer
management strategy with the help of SAUs & ICAR.
Norms of soil sampling
?  Irrigated area:-
a) at 2.5 ha grid for marginal and small holdings.
b) one sample each holding for semi-medium, medium & large holdings (Irrigated
Area/Av.size).
?  Rainfed area :-
a) at 10 ha grid for marginal, small, semi-medium & medium holdings.
b) one sample each holding for large holdings (Rainfed Area /Av.size).
? The ideal time for collection of soil samples is between harvest of one crop and
sowing/planting of other crop, when fields are vacant.
? The sampling depth for field crops should kept 0 to 15 cm.
? GPS co-ordinates have to be essentially recorded at the time of soil sampling which
will be downloaded in the STL computer.
Soil analysis:-
I. Soil samples should be processed following standard procedures and analyzed for
various parameters namely pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon
(OC), and available P, K, S and micronutrients.
II. In addition, science colleges having soil testing laboratories may be assigned the
task of soil testing. The students can do the work of soil testing under
guidance and supervision of professors.
III. To overcome staff shortage, the testing of samples in the soil testing laboratories
may be outsourced to private agencies. Alternatively, JRFs may be employed
for testing of soil samples.
IV. The soil analysis has to be completed within 3 weeks of receipt of soil samples in
the STL.
V. In addition to distribution of SHCs through post/extension staff, mechanism will
be developed for online delivery of soil health cards also to the farmers using
ICT.
Soil Health Card:-
Soil health card is field-specific detailed report of soil fertility status and other
important soil parameters that affect crop productivity. Besides, soil health, it also
provides an advisory on soil test based use of fertilizers and amendments.
Details in a Soil Health Card:
i. Information regarding Soil Fertility
ii. Dosage of fertilizer application in crops.
iii. Information on soil amendments of saline or alkaline soil.
iv. Recommendation on integrated nutrient management.
Strengthening & Setting up of Soil Testing Labs
Introduction:-
Soil & water are the greatest natural resources gifted to mankind. Our country
basically depends upon agriculture, thus it becomes more so important to study, analyze
and effectively manage soil and water. Soil being the basic media for the plants to stand
and grow and water becomes the lifeline to the plants. In view of this a greater
importance has been attached for management of soil and water by way of analysis, there
by contributing increased productivity in modern agriculture.
Objectives :
? To estimate the available nutrient status, reaction of the soil.
? To determine accurate dose of nutrient to be applied for a particular soil to avoid
excessive fertilizer application and bring down expenditure on fertilizers.
? Determining the presence or absence of abnormal soil conditions such as salinity,
alkalinity or acidity, determine their magnitude and suggest ameliorants for
reclamation.
? To evaluate the fertility status of a State or a district or a field and prepare soil
fertility maps for fertilizer recommendations
? To bring the awareness about the importance of soil and water testing among the
farming community for increased yields/returns.
It is proposed to establish 2 new soil testing labs in each of the 7 districts and one new
soil testing lab in Mahabubnagar & Nizamabad districts totaling to 16 new STLs with a
financial outlay of Rs 870.00 lakhs @ Rs 534.38 lakhs per lab and also to establish 2 new
Mobile Soil testing labs in Mahabubnagar & Nalgonda districts with a financial outlay of
Rs 118.00 lakhs @ Rs 59.00 lakhs per lab.
a) Setting up of new Soil Testing Laboratories: (Rs in Lakhs).

It is proposed to strengthen the existing 11 district soil testing labs in the State with a
financial outlay of Rs 132.00 lakhs @ 12.00 lakhs per lab & also to strengthen the
existing Mobile Soil testing lab in the State with a financial outlay of Rs 12.00 lakhs.

Hence, the total budget required for setting up of new STLs and strengthening of
existing STLs is Rs 1132.00 lakhs.
Outcomes:
? Judicious use of fertilizers based on Soil test results.
? Reduction in indiscriminate use of fertilizers results in reduced soil ill effects.
? Reduction in cost on fertilizers decreases the total cost of cultivation there by
improves the profit margin to farmers.
Dr.POONAM MALAKONDAIAH
APC & PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT