Soil samples are waiting for an analysis in the center of agriculture land testing in Tiruch. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Land testing, a vital scientific process for determining micronutrut levels and guide use of fertilizers remains insufficiently used in the Delta districts in Tamil Nadu.
Despite repeated government campaigns, a combination of limited test infrastructure and low awareness of farmers, soil health and productivity in this key agricultural belt continues to affect.
“There is no other way to assess the level of nutrients, with the exception of testing,” said A. Anuratha, associate professor of land science at the Agricultural University and the Research Institute, Kilier. “Just as we go to regular health checks, the soil must be tested seasonally. For example, in Nagapattinam, salinity is constantly increasing. It overuses or improper use of fertilizers only degrades the soil and affects yield,” she explained.
K. Coumaravel, Associate Professor of Land science in Pajencoa & Ri, noted that “at the global level of indicators, they show consistent deterioration of soil health due to climate change and unscientific agricultural procedures.
Last nationwide land sampling in 2018
Although both the Government Government for Health (SHC) and Porttal Tamil Mann Valam Tamil Nadu, as well as to support testing, the implementation of the field level remains insufficient. The official objectives for the distribution of SHC are set annually, but large parts of the agricultural population remain outside its coverage because the obtaining SHC was not mandatory. According to government data, only 7,900 cards were generated in Nagapattinam, and in Mayiladuthurai for 2024-25-lists, which do not reach total cultivators who do not have SHC.
Experts point out that while the Tamil Mann Valam portal includes land data for each village, most of them are not accurate. The last nationwide mass consumption of soil was carried out in 2018–19. “If conventional fresh surface samples are not tested in the laboratories, we cannot get accurate results,” the scientist said in the land, adding that online records could not replace laboratory analysis.
Only five soil laboratories
However, with only five laboratories and only two mobile test units for the entire Delta area, many farmers are not able to access early services. The Mayiladuthurai district does not have its own laboratory and must rely on Nagapattinam.
“Even drinking water has turned into a physiological solution,” said Vellamperambur Durai Ramesh of Cauvera Ulimai Meetp Kuzhu. “Several villages in Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyar are now reporting poor integration of water and soil. Testing at the village level is necessary-we can not travel to the city every time, and most farmers still apply fertilizers by puzzling.”
Vayalur N. Rajendran, treasurer of the farmer’s wing Tamil Maanila Congress, added: “Even if farmers get test results, advice is weak. Key micronutrients are not supplied by government cooperatives, forcing farmers to knock private markets.”
In Tiruch, Agricultural Officer M. Nagaraj of the Center for Testing of the Land, he said that awareness is growing among farmers, especially in those who are interested in growing fruit and plantation. “Many now voluntarily bring elite soil samples for analysis,” he said. At just 30 ₹, tests provide clear and achievable results for a sample.
Published – June 18, 2025 06:36
