Jharkhand farmers to get 'soil cards'

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said 'soil cards' would be given to farmers in the next five years to help enhance their produce.
"Soil testing is starting from May 28 in all the five divisions of the state. I would like the Birsa Agriculture University to name the soil card as 'Kiran'. They will be distributed to the farmers in the next five years," Das said.
Information like use of fertiliser, requirement of irrigation and suitable cultivable crops will be mentioned in the 'soil cards'.
Addressing the 5th Convocation of the Birsa Agriculture University here, Das called upon the students to ensure "smiles on the faces of farmers" irrespective of where they go to further their careers.

Stating that agriculture output in the state could not grow to the expectations because of uneven land and lack of adequate irrigation facilities, he said the sector was the priority area and the BAU has an important role in its development.