Punjab's first plant clinic and soil testing laboratory has been established in Moga, with a grant from the from NITI Ayog, an agency of the Central Government. The clinic, set up for Rs 1.25 crore, will provide free soil testing and plant disease diagnosis services to farmers; and is set to be inaugurated by the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Monday.
Moga Deputy Commissioner Kulwant Singh on Sunday said that the clinic was equipped with modern equipment, including an ICP-OES machine, which can analyze soil samples and provide detailed reports on nutrient content, pH levels, and other parameters.
The clinic will also have a plant doctor who will examine diseased plant samples and provide advice to farmers on how to manage diseases and pests. “This project has been made possible with the efforts of the Punjab Government and support of the Central Government's scheme, and will benefit farmers in the region,” said the DC.
With this clinic, farmers will be able to get their soil tested and receive expert advice on how to improve its fertility, thereby increasing their yields and incomes. The clinic will also provide facilities for testing water and plant samples and will have a digital microscope and other modern equipment.