Nagaland chief secretary J Alam flagged off equipment for block level mini soil testing laboratories at a function held at Secretariat Plaza here on Wednesday. He also inaugurated Static Soil Testing Laboratory (STL), Fertiliser Quality Control Laboratory (FQCL) and Bio Organic Quality Control Laboratory (BOQCL) have also been set up at the Department of Soil & Water Conservation (DSWC) office here.
The Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme is a flagship scheme of the Central government monitored directly by the Prime Minister’s office.
Speaking on the occasion, Alam said the inauguration of three laboratories was a milestone for the State in general and DSWC in particular. He remarked that soil health was a technical issue, while pointing out that 60% of the State’s total population was directly dependent on agri-allied sector, for which the department had a huge responsibility.
He urged the gathering to take care of the facilities provided by the Government. On the occasion, a brief technical report was shared by SHM State nodal officer K Khekiho Shohe. He claimed that the department till date had established 14 STLs covering all districts and one at S&WC Training and Research Centre under the scheme.
SWC and geology mining secretary K Labanthung Lotha presided over the function, while Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Cell project director Mhathung Kithan presented “Vision Statement for Digital Agriculture”. Vote of thanks was given by SWC director K Zhekheto Awomi.
