South Punjab Agriculture Task Force Additional Secretary Barakullah has asked experts to undertake measures to improve soil health destroyed by excessive use of fertilisers and other chemicals.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting at agriculture secretariat on Wednesday.
Barakullah was irked at the low level of healthy organic content of the soil which has declined to 0.5% in South Punjab compared to the minimum standard of 5-6%.
“Optimisation of soil health is imperative to improve agricultural productivity of the land,” he stated, adding that it would also boost the nutrient standard of the cultivated crop.
He directed the experts to focus on improving health of the agricultural land to achieve bumper yield and reduce input expenses.
The experts briefed the additional secretary about the current poor composition and condition of soil across South Punjab.
“Excessive use of fertilizers and chemicals has increased the pH of the soil which is harmful for proper growth of plants,” they told Barakullah.
Read ‘Soil analysis to help improve fertility’
As per research, plants thrive best if the pH value lies between 5.5 and 7.5. Otherwise, experts warn of decreased nutrient absorption capacity.
Thereby, the meeting planned to develop an integrated nutrient management plan to restore soil's health. It was also decided that a comprehensive campaign would be launched to guide farmers about the necessary ingredients of a healthy soil.
“It is essential to add organic matter to increase farm production,” the additional secretary highlighted.
He directed the officials to inculcate awareness among farmers and show them practical methods of improving soil fertility by adding organic matter in the soil.
“It would be easy for the farmers to enrich soil with organic matter after the agriculture experts demonstrate it to them,” he concluded.
Deputy Secretary Asif Raza, Director Cotton Research Station Dr Sagheer, Agriculture Information Officer Abdul Samad and other relevant officials were also present in the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2021.
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