UDHAMPUR: The Divisional Soil Survey Scheme, under the Directorate of Agriculture Production and Farmer’s Welfare, Jammu, concluded a two-day District-Level Training Programme on Soil Health Management at the SDAO Office in Udhampur on November 12-13, 2024. The event saw participation from 50 farmers and rural youth from across the Udhampur District, aimed at enhancing skills in sustainable soil practices and effective nutrient management.
Organized by Divisional Soil Survey Officer Sh. Suresh Kumar Khajuria, the programme is part of a series of district-level initiatives under the ‘Capacity Building’ component of the HADP Project #19 - J&K Soil and Land Resources Information Systems for Planning and Soil Health Management (JKSLRI) for the 2024-25 cycle.
The inaugural session began with a ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp, led by the Divisional Soil Survey Officer and other esteemed guests. Over the course of the two days, a team of expert resource persons, including Dr. Sanjay Koushal, Scientist at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (SKUAST-J) Reasi, Sh. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agriculture Chemist Jammu, Dr. Neeraj Rajwal, Assistant Soil Chemist Jammu, Dr. Aadil Rashid, ASSO Jammu, and Sh. Sukhbir Singh, SMS-II Udhampur, delivered in-depth presentations on key topics. These included ‘Sustainable Soil Health Management,’ ‘Judicious Use of Fertilizers,’ ‘Soil Health Card Scheme,’ ‘Land Capability Classification,’ and ‘Integrated Nutrient Management.’
Sh. Rajeev Katoch, Programme Officer from the Office of the Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension) Jammu, guided the proceedings, providing insights into the history of soil surveys and sustainable soil management, linking ancient Indian agricultural practices with modern advancements. The programme concluded with a valedictory session where participants were awarded certificates and Soil Sample Collection Kits by the dignitaries present.
This training marks another step forward in empowering farmers with knowledge and resources to sustainably manage soil health, ultimately contributing to the agricultural resilience and productivity of the region.
