Chandigarh: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, has urged farmers across the State to get their tube well water tested regularly to enhance crop productivity. Emphasising the importance of water testing, Rana said, “Karvaoge Pani Ki Jaanch, Nahi Aayegi Fasal Utpadan Par Aanch” (Get your irrigation water tested to safeguard your crop yield.)
The Agriculture Minister said that the quality of irrigation water has a direct impact on crop growth and productivity. Water with high salinity and alkalinity can adversely affect soil fertility and reduce agricultural output. Timely testing of tube well water enables farmers to select suitable crops and adopt balanced and scientific nutrient and fertiliser management practices.
Explaining the correct procedure for collecting a tube well water sample, Rana said that farmers should operate the tube well continuously for at least 30 minutes before collecting the sample. Thereafter, approximately 500 ml (or 1 litre) of water should be collected in a clean plastic bottle.
He urged farmers to clearly mention their name, Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) ID, village name, Killa/Khasra number, mobile number, and borewell depth (in feet) on the bottle. The sample may then be submitted to the nearest Soil Health Testing Laboratory for analysis.
The Agriculture Minister further urged farmers to select crops and plan irrigation management strictly on the basis of the test report. For more information about the scheme and soil testing laboratories, farmers may contact the toll-free helpline 1800-180-2117 or get in touch with the Deputy Director, Agriculture in their respective district.
