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The Hindu
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Kanniyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth reviews development projects in d
Kanniyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held here on Saturday to assess progress of various development projects being implemented in the district. During the meeting, the MP reviewed the implementation of of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme and others. He urged the officials to avoid delays in the implementation of schemes and ensure that timely benefits reach the public. He highlighted the Soil Health Card scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, through which soil samples are collected from farmers' lands and recommendations are provided regarding suitable crops and fertilizers. Mr. Vijay noted since 2015 a total of 5,02,383 farmers have received soil health cards and got benefitted. The MP inquired about the schemes being implemented by the school education department and concerned authorities were directed to ensure timely renovation of school walls, toilets, roofs and other facilities. Majority of the schools in town panchayat and corporation limits were renovated. The officials were also directed to make the Kanniyakumari district as a mal-nutrition free district through effective implementation of the Poshan Abhiyan scheme. He assessed the progress of projects being implemented by Highways, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Co-operative societies and others. He noted that a total of ₹87.52 lakh has been allocated to Kanniyakumari district for the Jal Jeevan Mission and ₹129.95 crore has been sanctioned for UnderGround Drainage System in Nagercoil Municipal Corporation. He reiterated the need to desilt all water bodies in the district to improve water availability for farmers. He also advised officials to expedite ongoing development works while ensuring that the welfare of the people remains the top priority. Kanyakumari Collector R. Alagumeena, Assembly members N. Thalavai Sundaram, S. Rajesh Kumar, J.G. Prince and others were present at the meeting.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Lack of awareness, limited facilities affect soil testing in Tamil Nadu's delta region
Soil testing, a vital scientific process to determine micro-nutrient levels and guide fertiliser use, remains underutilised in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu. Despite repeated government campaigns, a combination of limited testing infrastructure and low farmer awareness continues to affect soil health and crop productivity across this crucial agricultural belt. 'There's no other way to assess nutrient levels except by testing,' said A. Anuratha, Associate Professor of Soil Science at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Kilvelur. 'Just like we go for regular health check-ups, the soil must be tested seasonally. In Nagapattinam, for instance, salinity is steadily increasing. Overuse or incorrect use of fertilisers only degrades soil further and affects yield,' she explained. K. Coumaravel, Associate Professor of Soil Science in PAJENCOA & RI, noted that 'at the global level, indicators show consistent deterioration in soil health due to climate change and unscientific farm practices. Knowing the micronutrient profile can help correct deficiencies that limit crop potential.' Last State-wide soil sampling in 2018 Although both the Union government's Soil Health Card (SHC) programme and Tamil Nadu's Tamil Mann Valam portal aim to promote testing, field-level implementation remains inadequate. Official targets for SHC distribution are set annually, but large sections of the farming population remain outside its coverage as getting an SHC has not been made mandatory. According to government data, just 7,900 cards were generated in Nagapattinam and 7,350 in Mayiladuthurai for 2024-25—numbers that fall far short of total cultivators who have not got SHC's. Experts point out that while the Tamil Mann Valam portal includes soil data for each village, most of it is not precise. The last State-wide mass soil sampling was conducted in 2018–19. 'Unless regular fresh surface samples are tested in labs, we cannot get accurate results,' said a soil scientist, adding that online records alone cannot replace lab analysis. Only five soil labs However, with only five labs and just two mobile testing units for the entire delta region, many farmers are unable to access timely services. Mayiladuthurai district has no lab of its own and must rely on Nagapattinam's. 'Even drinking water has turned saline,' said Vellamperambur Durai Ramesh, of the Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu. 'Several villages in Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyar now report poor water-soil integration. Village-level soil testing is essential—we can't travel to town every time, and most farmers still apply fertilisers by guesswork.' Vayalur N. Rajendran, Treasurer of the Farmers' Wing of Tamil Maanila Congress, added, 'Even when farmers get test results, the advisory is weak. Key micronutrients are not stocked in government co-operatives, forcing farmers to tap private markets. Testing alone is not enough—follow-up support must be ensured.' In Tiruchi, agricultural officer M. Nagaraj from the Soil Testing Centre said awareness was growing among farmers, particularly those interested in fruit cultivation and plantations. 'Many now voluntarily bring in elite soil samples for analysis,' he said. At just ₹30 per sample, the tests provide clear and actionable results.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Lack of awareness and limited facilities affect soil testing in delta region
Soil testing, a vital scientific process to determine micro nutrient levels and guide fertiliser use, remains underutilised in delta districts. Despite repeated government campaigns, a combination of limited testing infrastructure and low farmer awareness continues to affect soil health and crop productivity across this crucial agricultural belt. 'There's no other way to assess nutrient levels except by testing,' said A. Anuratha, Associate Professor of Soil Science at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Kilvelur. 'Just like we go for regular health check-ups, the soil must be tested seasonally. In Nagapattinam, for instance, salinity is steadily increasing. Overuse or incorrect use of fertilisers only degrades soil further and affects yield,' she explained. K. Coumaravel, Associate Professor of Soil Science in PAJENCOA & RI, noted that 'at the global level, indicators show consistent deterioration in soil health due to climate change and unscientific farm practices. Knowing the micronutrient profile can help correct deficiencies that limit crop potential.' Although both the Union government's Soil Health Card (SHC) programme and Tamil Nadu's Tamil Mann Valam portal aim to promote testing, field-level implementation remains inadequate. Official targets for SHC distribution are set annually, but large sections of the farming population remain outside its coverage as getting an SHC has not been made mandatory. According to government data, just 7,900 cards were generated in Nagapattinam and 7,350 in Mayiladuthurai for 2024-25—numbers that fall far short of total cultivators who have not got SHC's. Experts point out that while the Tamil Mann Valam portal, includes soil data for each village, most of it is not precise. The last State-wide mass soil sampling was conducted in 2018–19. 'Unless regular fresh surface samples are tested in labs, we cannot get accurate results,' said a soil scientist, adding that online records alone cannot replace lab analysis. However, with only five labs and just two mobile testing units for the entire delta region, many farmers are unable to access timely services. Mayiladuthurai district has no lab of its own and must rely on Nagapattinam's. 'Even drinking water has turned saline,' said Vellamperambur Durai Ramesh, of the Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu. 'Several villages in Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyar now report poor water-soil integration. Village-level soil testing is essential—we can't travel to town every time, and most farmers still apply fertilisers by guesswork.' Vayalur N. Rajendran, Treasurer of the Farmers' Wing of Tamil Maanila Congress, added, 'Even when farmers get test results, the advisory is weak. Key micronutrients are not stocked in government co-operatives, forcing farmers to tap private markets. Testing alone is not enough—follow-up support must be ensured.' In Tiruchi, agricultural officer M. Nagaraj from the Soil Testing Centre said awareness was growing among farmers, particularly those interested in fruit cultivation and plantations. 'Many now voluntarily bring in elite soil samples for analysis,' he said. At just ₹30 per sample, the tests provide clear and actionable results.
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi expresses grief over Saharanpur mishap, orders relief, treatment for injured victims
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 10 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday took cognisance of the tragic accident that occurred in Saharanpur district during bathing in a canal and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased. The Chief Minister directed officials to promptly reach the accident site and expedite the relief and rescue operations. He has also instructed that the injured be immediately admitted to the hospital and given proper medical care. CM Yogi further wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, on Monday, The Chief Minister visited the national capital on Monday, paying a courtesy call on Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The Home Minister's Office confirmed the meeting through a post on social media platform X, which read, 'Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri @myogiadityanath met Union Minister of Home Affairs @AmitShah.' Yogi Adityanath also shared details of the meeting on his official X handle, writing, 'Today I had a courtesy call on the Honourable Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation, Shri @AmitShah ji in New Delhi. Thank you very much for providing your valuable time!' The Chief Minister's Delhi visit came a day after he addressed the Kisan Samman Samaroh in Auraiya on Sunday, where he underscored the central government's farmer-centric policies. During the event, he pointed to a significant shift in political priorities since 2014, asserting that farmers have become central to governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. 'You must have seen for the first time in 2014 that the farmer who provides food can also become a part of the political agenda of a government, when PM Modi started the Soil Health Card Scheme,' Adityanath said. He detailed various schemes aimed at strengthening agricultural sustainability and farmer welfare, including the Soil Health Card, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, the crop insurance programme under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, under which over 12 crore farmers receive financial assistance nationwide. Before reaching Auraiya, CM Yogi also conducted an aerial survey of maize crops en route from Lucknow, highlighting the government's focus on field-level review of agricultural conditions.(ANI)
India Gazette
08-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Double engine govt is working towards making farmer's future beautiful and secure": UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Auraiya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 8 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday highlighted that the 'double engine' government is working towards making the future of its farmers beautiful and secure in the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the Kisan Samman Samaroh, said that after the NDA government came to power in 2014, farmers became one of the 'agendas' for this government. The Uttar Pradesh government pointed out that 12 crore farmers in the country are getting the benefit of the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme. 'You must have seen for the first time in 2014 that the farmer who provides food can also become a part of the political agenda of a government. When PM Modi started the Soil Health Card Scheme... After the Soil Health Card, the Prime Minister's Agricultural Irrigation Scheme and then the Prime Minister's Agricultural Insurance Scheme were implemented and the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme was implemented,' he said. '12 crore farmers in the country are getting the benefit of the Prime Minister's Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme... This double engine government is also working towards making the future of its farmers beautiful and secure in the state.' CM Yogi highlighted. Further stressing on the BJP government's efforts to mitigate farmer suicide in the state, CM Yogi said, 'When our government came in 2017, farmers were committing suicide... There were no facilities anywhere. In 2017, when we came, first of all we took forward the loan waiver program of Rs 36000 crore of 86 lakh farmers and after the loan waiver, we resorted to the Prime Minister's Agricultural Irrigation Scheme to develop the irrigation capacity in the state ...' Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the State Tax Department in Lucknow and directed the officials to adopt the policy of transparency, technical efficiency and strict enforcement in tax collection. CM Yogi directed to take action against shell companies and fake registered companies. CM Yogi Adityanath met with members of the 16th Finance Commission in Lucknow on Wednesday. The state's Finance Minister, Suresh Khanna, said earlier that CM Yogi laid out several demands in front of the Finance Commission. This also included a demand to increase the state's share in central taxes. Khanna earlier told ANI, '...Some demands were made by the Chief Minister for the state today (Wednesday). Instead of the 41 per cent share we received so far, we should get 50 per cent. At the same time, Uttar Pradesh should not get less than 20 per cent in central taxes. This is our demand.' 'At the 16th Finance Commission meeting, the Uttar Pradesh government presented the achievements of 8 years. Based on the successes, it seemed clear that the Finance Commission was satisfied with our progress, and Uttar Pradesh will get a good recommendation and will take a long leap forward successfully...,' the deputy CM remarked. (ANI)
