Agriculture Minister Reviews Soil Health and Fertility Initiatives in Bihar
In a recent meeting, Bihar's Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha reviewed the progress of soil health and fertility initiatives, including the establishment of mini soil testing laboratories in schools. The program aims to enhance students' understanding of agriculture and promote scientific approaches in farming. With plans to expand these initiatives significantly in the coming years, the government is committed to modernizing agriculture and increasing farmers' incomes. This article delves into the details of the meeting and the future of agricultural education in Bihar.
Jun 15, 2026, 19:40 IST
Review Meeting on Soil Health and Fertility Programs
The Honorable Agriculture Minister, Vijay Kumar Sinha, conducted a review meeting today at the Agriculture Building in Mithapur, focusing on the progress of the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme and various programs under the Chief Minister's Horticulture Mission. The discussions emphasized promoting a scientific approach in agriculture, enhancing research and experimental skills among students, and raising awareness among farmers regarding soil health.
During the meeting, it was reported that under the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme for the financial year 2025-26, mini soil testing laboratories have been established in 160 PM Shri and government schools across the state. This initiative aims to connect students with the scientific process of soil testing at the school level and to enhance their understanding of agriculture and the environment.
The Minister announced plans to expand this program significantly in the financial year 2026-27, with mini soil testing laboratories to be set up in a total of 629 PM Shri and government schools. The implementation of this scheme will be conducted with complete transparency. Through these laboratories, students from grades 7, 8, 9, and 11 will engage in practical activities related to soil testing and sample collection, fostering scientific thinking, technical skills, and a research-oriented mindset.
He mentioned that the estimated cost for establishing a mini soil testing laboratory in each school is set at one lakh rupees, with 60% of the funding provided by the central government and 40% by the state government. The central government has set a target for each school to collect and test 50 soil samples and distribute soil health cards among farmers. This initiative aims to create effective coordination between students, schools, and farmers while promoting balanced fertilizer usage.
During the review meeting, the Agriculture Minister also assessed the Dragon Fruit Development Scheme based on the DPR prepared under the Fourth Agricultural Roadmap. He stated that a total of three crore rupees has been approved for the implementation of this scheme over the last three financial years under the Chief Minister's Horticulture Mission. For the financial year 2026-27, an amount of 60 lakh rupees has been sanctioned, with an approval for the withdrawal and expenditure of 13.62 lakh rupees.
The Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to modernizing agriculture, diversifying crops, and increasing farmers' incomes. The establishment of soil testing laboratories in schools and the promotion of high-value crops like dragon fruit will provide new directions for innovation and self-reliance in the agricultural sector. He instructed officials to ensure the effective and timely implementation of these programs so that farmers and students can reap maximum benefits.