Satellite-Based Handheld Soil Testing Tool for Indian Farmers
Why in the news
The government is building a handheld device that reads soil on the spot using satellite-based technology, replacing slow lab-dependent testing.
Key facts
- Guided by M.L. Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and DG of ICAR.
- Gives instant readings of soil texture, pH, organic matter and nutrients.
- A soil spectral library and national depository are being built: 40,000+ spectra now, 5,000-10,000 samples added each year; machine learning links spectra to soil properties.
- National Soil Survey Laboratories will support the effort.
| Aspect | Traditional testing | New tool |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Several days, costly | Real-time |
| Output | Soil Health Card: static, technical, hard for laypeople | User-friendly, personalised advice via mobile apps |
Significance
- Enables precision farming: accurate fertiliser and irrigation use, lower input cost, better yield.
- Supports sustainable farming, curbs fertiliser harm to the environment and lifts farmer income.
Economic context
- Agriculture gives 18% of GDP and employs 42% of workers.
- FY26 Budget: ₹1.71 trillion for agriculture and allied sectors, 20% above FY25 RE.
Exam angle
- Existing report: Soil Health Card; body: ICAR.