Kundariya distributed soil health card

PUNE: Mohanbhai Kundariya, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare distributed soil health cards to farmers during the celebration of the ‘World Soil Day’ (5th December, 2015) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Narayangaon in Pune district, Maharashtra on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister reiterated the vision of Prime Minister for ensuring soil health card to every farmer once in three years. He elaborated the advantages and importance of soil health cards in restoring and maximizing ecosystem services of soils, ensuring balanced use of fertilizers, enhancing crop productivity along with reduction in cost of cultivation. He stressed on transfer of technology from ‘Lab to Land’ for revitalizing agriculture in all the States.

Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil, Member of Parliament, Shirur Loksabha Constituency and Pasha Patel, former MLA highlighted the problems and concerns of farmers in the region.

Vikas Deshmukh, Commissioner of Agriculture, Mahrashtra informed that the state will exceed the target for preparation and distribution of soil health cards.

Earlier, Anil Meher, Chairman, Gramonnati Mandal welcomed the Union Minister of State and shared the prominent role of the KVK in the horticulture belt of the Pune district.

Dr Y.G. Prasad, ICAR-Zonal Project Director, Zone 5, Hyderabad, Directors of local ICAR research institutes, senior officials of the MPKV, Rahuri, ATMA and State Department of Agriculture participated in the program.

More than 500 farmers participated in the event and nearly 5000 farmers are expected to witness the ongoing activities of exhibition and live demonstrations organized by the KVK as part of the Agriculture Technology Week inaugurated on the occasion.