The Soil Resource Management and Inputs Quality Control scheme was launched by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Puducherry. Through this scheme, farmers can submit their soil and water samples to the soil testing lab attached to the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (LUP & QC), Thatanchavady, Puducherry, for analysis and recommendation completely free of cost.
Objectives:
• Monitor soil fertility status through intensive sampling and build a reliable database for production potential interpretation.
• Maintain soil health to sustain production potential and generate fertilizer recommendations tailored to individual crops.
• Prevent further deterioration of soil productivity, fertility, and sustainability.
Benefits
• Free Analysis: Farmers can have their soil and water samples tested and receive recommendations at no cost.
• Soil Health Cards: Issued to farmers for their cultivable lands within a month.
• Input Quality Control: The lab also analyses the quality of critical inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides using samples collected by notified quality inspectors.
• Assistance for Input Quality Doubts: Farmers can contact the agricultural officer (U.U.) to assess input quality by submitting a sample.
Eligibility
• The applicant must be a citizen of Puducherry.
• The applicant must be a Farmer.
Application Process
Offline Process
• Step 1: Visit the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (LUP & QC) during office hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Chemistry).
• Step 2: Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form, paste a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and attach copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested if required).
• Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Chemistry).
• Step 4: On receipt, the application is recorded in the receipt register and a unique identification number is assigned as an acknowledgment for future reference.
Documents Required
• Farmer ID
• Residence-cum-Nativity Certificate (issued by the competent authority)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the role of the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Chemistry) in the application process?
A: They issue the application form, receive and record the completed applications, and assign a unique identification number as acknowledgment.
Q: How is the application tracked after submission?
A: A unique identification number is assigned at the time of submission, which is used for all further references and tracking.
Q: What is the contact information for submitting the application form?
A: Applicants must visit the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (LUP & QC) at Thatanchavady, Puducherry, and approach the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Chemistry) during office hours.
Q: Where can interested applicants obtain the application form for the scheme?
A: The application form is available at the Office of the Additional Director of Agriculture (LUP & QC) or can be requested from the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Chemistry).
Q: How does the scheme contribute to preventing further deterioration of soil productivity?
A: By monitoring soil fertility, maintaining soil health, and generating tailored fertilizer recommendations, the scheme helps prevent soil degradation and sustains production potential.
Q: How quickly do farmers receive soil health cards for their cultivable lands?
A: Soil health cards are issued to farmers within one month of sample analysis.
Q: What is the objective of maintaining soil health under this scheme?
A: The objective is to sustain soil productivity and meet the specific fertilizer requirements of crops based on a detailed soil resource database.
Q: What role does the soil testing lab play in the scheme?
A: The lab conducts analysis of soil and water samples, provides recommendations based on soil health, and assesses the quality of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Q: What steps are involved in preventing soil deterioration under this scheme?
A: Intensive soil sampling, database creation for soil resources, tailored fertilizer recommendations, and quality control of agricultural inputs all contribute to preventing soil deterioration.
Q: How can farmers from Puducherry benefit from the scheme?
A: Farmers benefit by receiving free soil and water analysis, soil health cards, and quality control services for inputs, which enable better crop management and improved yields.
Q: Is there any application fee?
A: No, the scheme is offered free of cost to farmers.
Q: Is there any compensation for delays in the disbursal of the scheme benefits?
A: For such issues, farmers should refer to the Grievance Redressal process provided by the department.