J-K Govt Takes Action to Improve Land & Soil Management with Launch of Groundbreaking Project

According to an official, the 'J&K Soil and Land Resource Information (JKSLRI)' system was created to aid in decision-making for the sustainable use of soil and land resources in the region, which is considered ecologically fragile. "The JKSLRI project, with its goal of providing a scientific foundation for crop diversification and soil suitability, is set to revolutionise the way we approach land use and soil management in the region," an official said.

"The problem of unscientific land conversions and poor soil health management practices has been causing a decline in soil health, leading to poor outputs and even enterprise failure. "There is also a lack of knowledge and poor extension on soil health management, which is causing soil biodiversity loss due to intensive cultivation and soil pollution," said Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department.

He went on to say that the JKSLRI project was created to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on soil and land resources, making it a critical tool for decision-making on the sustainable use of soil and land resources.

According to J&K officials, the prestigious project, which will initially begin in four J&K districts, has several objectives, including the development of a robust land use policy on agriculture and urbanization, crop-land suitability based on land evaluation, capacity building of farmers and other stakeholders on soil health management, and the establishment of one static and 25 mini soil testing laboratories in each selected district.

"The project has been designed to have a major impact on the region including the creation of an authentic soil and land resource repository with two soil museums one each at Jammu and Srinagar. The project will also support the efficient use of fertilizers and micronutrients, which is critical for organic production systems," according to the statement.

"These goals will help lay the groundwork for a strong agricultural and urbanization policy, ensuring that the region remains sustainable and ecologically sound for future generations," officials added.

The "Developing J&K Soil and Land Resource Information (JKSLRI) system for Planning and Soil Health Management" project is one of 29 projects approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration after being recommended by the UT Level Apex Committee for holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors in J&K's UT.

The prestigious committee is headed by Mangala Rai, Former DG ICAR, and includes other agricultural, planning, statistics, and administration luminaries such as Ashok Dalwai, CEO NRAA, P K Joshi, Secretary, NAAS, Prabhat Kumar, Horticulture Commissioner MOA and FW, H S Gupta, Former Director, IARI, Atal Dulloo, ACS, APD, and Vice Chancellors of the UT's twin agriculture universities.

According to the statement, the project will be carried out in stages, beginning with an intensive soil survey, soil sampling, and analysis, followed by ground truthing and data analysis. "It will also include the collection of soil monoliths as well as the analysis of soil, water, and plant samples. These interventions will result in data generation at the panchayat level, intensive soil mapping, the development of a web-based soil information system, and land evaluation for crop suitability and alternate land use, according to officials.

"The JKSLRI project is expected to have a significant impact on the region by providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on soil and land resources. It will establish an authentic repository of soil and land resources and make information available to all. The agriculture and urbanisation policy document will ensure a sustainable ecosystem for future generations, while the efficient use of fertilisers and micronutrients will lay the groundwork for organic production," according to the statement.

"This project is not only crucial for food security and achieving Sustainable Development Goals but also a testament to the government's commitment towards deploying cutting edge and future-ready technologies in the agriculture sector. The project will benefit farmers, researchers, natural resource managers, and other stakeholders in the region significantly," it stated.