Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 05 November 2024
The President of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), Mr. Rangalal Halder, has formally appealed to the Director of Agriculture to reinstate the issuance of Soil Health Cards to farmers throughout the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Highlighting the vital role of Soil Health Cards in the agricultural sector, Mr. Halder emphasized that these cards previously empowered farmers by providing critical insights into soil quality and nutrient composition. This information allowed farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertilizer and pesticide use, thereby enhancing crop yields and promoting soil health.
Mr. Halder expressed concern over the suspension of this initiative in recent years, noting that farmers have since been left without essential data on soil health. This gap has led to inconsistent application of agricultural inputs, adversely impacting both crop productivity and soil quality across the region.
According to Mr. Halder, the absence of regular soil health assessments may lead to unintended consequences, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and water pollution from improper chemical usage. He underscored the significance of Soil Health Cards as a cornerstone of sustainable farming practices, aiding in efficient nutrient management, reducing farming costs, and promoting eco-friendly land use.
In his appeal, Mr. Halder urged the Director of Agriculture to prioritise the revival of this program, ensuring that Soil Health Cards are regularly distributed to farmers across the islands to foster a more sustainable and productive agricultural future.