BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
2
Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare.
The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity.
Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter.
He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction.
The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers.
It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said.
Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
5 days ago
- Hans India
Scientific beekeeping training concludes
Tadepalligudem (West Godavari): A three-day training programme on scientific beekeeping at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Dr YSR Horticultural University in Venkatramannagudem concluded recently. The workshop, attended by 20 rural women, youth and farmers, including B Tech (Engineering) graduates, focused on various aspects of apiculture, honey extraction methods, and the prevention of diseases and pests affecting bees. During the training, participants gained insights into the importance of beekeeping, different bee species, suitable varieties for rearing, essential equipment, and establishing a beekeeping enterprise. Comprehensive awareness was provided on precautionary measures, management practices, pest and insect control, by-products of beekeeping, propagation, seasonal hive management, honey collection, storage, and marketing. Dr P Vijayalakshmi from Krishi Vigyan Kendra engagingly explained the process of preserving bee eggs, how worker bees produce honey, and how bee colonies protect themselves. She noted that setting up four bee boxes per acre, along with necessary equipment for honey extraction, costs approximately Rs 25,000. Dr Vijayalakshmi highlighted that beekeeping in vacant spaces within horticultural farms can yield up to Rs 1 lakh per acre annually through by-products such as honey, wax, pollen, royal jelly, and bee venom. She also advised that cool areas with 50% shade are ideal for beekeeping, cautioning against establishing bee colonies near orchards sprayed with strong pesticides, railway tracks, or chemical industries. The programme saw the participation of Krishi Vigyan Kendra staff, including Dr Deepthi, ARYA Nodal Officer, and Dr Devi Vara Prasad Reddy, Scientist (Fisheries).
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
Hans India
05-07-2025
- Hans India
Adopt new tech developed by scientists: Chittoor MP to farmers
Tirupati: Chittoor MP Daggumalla Prasad Rao visited RASS-Krishi Vigyan Kendra on Friday and participated in Farmer Scientist interaction organised by KVK under SC- Sub Plan. During the interaction the MP advised the farmers to adopt the new technologies developed and disseminated by scientists to get higher yields and good net income. He stated that both Central and State governments are taking all necessary measures to ensure fair Minimum Support prices for all crops. General Secretary of RASS and Chairman, KVK S Venkataratnam stated that farmers can reduce losses and obtain good yields by adopting integrated farming systems. He also mentioned that farmers can benefit by linking government welfare schemes to agriculture and allied sectors. Assistant Director of Research at Regional Agricultural Research Station Dr V Sumathi and Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Dr S Srinivasulu also spoke. Later farmers were facilitated with sprayers, turmeric and ginger seeds, mineral mixture, disinfectants for silkworm rearing sheds, high yielding latest mango grafts for conducting demonstrations under SC-Sub Plan.
