GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

LOK SABHA

STARRED QUESTION NO: 397

ANSWERED ON:30.04.2007

SOIL TESTING LABORATORIES

(a)the total number of soil testing laboratories functioning in the country at present, State- wise;

(b)the details of the performance of such laboratories assessed in physical and financial terms during each of the last three years and thereafter, State-wise;

(c)whether the Government proposes to increase the number of soil testing laboratories;

(d)if so, the details of such laboratories proposed to be opened during the Eleventh Five Year Plan, State-wise;

(e)whether the Government proposes to provide soil test mini kits to farmers at cheaper rates; and

(f)if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

 MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI SHARAD PAWAR)

(a) to (f):A statement is laid on the Table of the House. STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 397 DUE FOR REPLY ON 30TH APRIL, 2007.

(a)At present there are 609 soil testing laboratories (STLs) (487 static and 122 mobile) functioning in the country. A statement showing state-wise number of STLs working during 2005- 06 is enclosed as Annexure-1.

(b)The performance of all the STLs is being assessed and the percent capacity utilization of STLs during 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 are 70.5%, 73.2%, 71.53% and 74.50% respectively.

(c)& (d) To increase the number of STLs in the country, the Government is providing financial assistance for establishment of STLs through the Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Balanced & Integrated Use of Fertilizers under Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme. The State Governments are augmenting the STLs capacity under Macro Management of Agriculture Scheme in 11th Five Year Plan also.

(e)At present there is no such proposal under consideration of the Government.

(f)The Government is promoting establishment and strengthening of static STLs in the country to ensure analysis of soil samples for major, secondary and micro nutrients which the soil test mini kits are not able to analyse.