Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 4: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee President, Shri Rangalal Halder, has formally requested the Director of Agriculture to resume the issuance of Soil Health Cards for farmers across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

In his appeal, Halder expressed the pressing need for Soil Health Cards, which previously played a critical role in assisting farmers by providing essential information on soil quality and nutrient composition. These cards allowed farmers to make informed decisions on fertilizer and pesticide application, improving both crop yield and soil fertility.

However, Halder noted that this initiative has been halted in recent years, leaving farmers without necessary data on soil health and resulting in inconsistent application of inputs, which has caused adverse effects on crop productivity and soil quality.

He highlighted that without these vital assessments, farmers may inadvertently contribute to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and water pollution due to mismanagement of chemical inputs. He stressed the importance of Soil Health Cards as a foundational tool for sustainable farming, supporting efficient nutrient management, cost-effective farming practices, and environmentally responsible land use.

Furthermore, Shri Halder urged the Director, Agriculture to prioritize the resumption of this program and ensure regular distribution of Soil Health Cards to the farmers in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.