Y Kikheto Yeptho APC interacting with Khekiho Shohe, State Nodal Officer of Soil Health Management.
Dimapur, November 14 (MExN): Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema, IAS inspected the ongoing installation of Soil Testing Laboratory at Soil and Water Conservation Training & Research Institute, Sechü-Zubza on November 14.
Speaking at the programme, Kikheto lauded the Soil & Water Conservation Department for the having the laboratory and working tirelessly to facilitate similar laboratories in all the 11 districts of the state.
“So far we have been randomly planting crops and engage in farming activities without understanding the feasibility of the crops and the soil types. But with the soil testing laboratory in place, we can have better understanding of soil and there will be more output of crops,” Kikheto said.
He said the department can now guide the farmers towards sustainable livelihood by utilizing the facility. He said inspecting the laboratory on November 14 was like celebrating Ahuna festival which also falls on the same day. He said that the department after lot of hard work was seeing the light of the day with the establishment of the laboratories, which will be followed by testing and providing the soil health cards to the farmers. It is like a post harvest festival for the department.
Kikheto said it was time for the Nagas to stand on their own feet by going back to the land and start organic farming. After 57 years, we now have a full fledged proper facility to test the soil, which will be followed by application of nutrients and soil amendment to the soil
A press release issued by Khekiho Shohe, Additional Director, Soil & Water Conservation Department stated that during interaction to the departmental officials, he was positive that in near future the soil testing lab will serve as a gateway and unify to various Agri & Allied departments.
While celebrating Sumi Ahuna festival, which is a festival of harvest, he also feels that setting up of soil testing laboratories in every district by the department will bring prosperity to all the communities.
Later, the APC visited upcoming Organic AC Market at Agri Expo Site, Dimapur.
