SAMBALPUR:The district has achieved the target of soil sample analysis during the last two fiscals for distribution of soil health card to farmers.
As per reports, 25,045 soil samples have been analysed against a target of 25,000 during 2015-16 and 2016-17 and 1,01,625 soil health cards distributed to farmers in nine blocks of the district under Soil Health Card Scheme Cycle-I.
The target at block-level has been achieved in Dhankauda, Maneswar, Rairakhol, Naktideul and Bamra blocks while it has failed in the rest four blocks including Jujumura, Rengali, Kuchinda and Jamankira.
Total 2,295 soil samples have been analysed against a target of 2,280 in Dhankauda block, 2,820 against 2,710 in Maneswar, 2,553 against 2,550 in Rairakhol, 1,928 against 1,880 in Naktideul and 3,224 against 3,220 in Bamra block. Besides, 2,921 soil samples have been analysed against a target of 2,930 in Jujumura block, 2,460 against 2,470 in Rengali, 3,867 against 3,930 in Kuchinda and 2,977 against a target of 3,030 in Jamankira block.
The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched by the Centre in February, 2015. However, soil sample collection and analysis under the Cycle-I phase of the scheme was started in the district from April, 2015 and subsequently soil cards were distributed to the farmers.
The objective of the scheme is to boost the farm productivity. With the issue of the card, the farmers get a well-monitored report of the soil which helps in selection of crop for cultivation. The Agriculture Department also suggests deficient nutrients in the soil and ways to improve its health.
Under the scheme, soil samples are collected in representative areas or grids in the village. The samples are analysed for physical and chemical properties before soil health cards are issued for site specific nutrient management. Soil Chemist, Sambalpur, Babaji Charan Sethy said they have achieved the target due to collective efforts of all the staff. However, they remained unsuccessful in four blocks as the field staff failed to submit the requisite number of soil samples, he added.