BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
2
Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare.
The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity.
Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter.
He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction.
The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers.
It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said.
Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Time of India
BAU to launch statewide digital soil mapping soon
1 2 Bhagalpur: With an eye on precision farming and efficient resource use to maximise agricultural output, Bihar Agricultural University (BAU) is set to launch a comprehensive "soil mapping and survey" project across the state under the Digital Agriculture Mission. The initiative supports climate-friendly and climate-resilient farming in line with the Centre's National Soil Mapping Programme (NSMP) under the ministry of agriculture and farmer welfare. The mapping exercise will cover all 38 districts, helping farmers make informed decisions about fertiliser application, irrigation and other farm strategies to improve productivity. Highlighting the significance of the project, BAU vice-chancellor D R Singh said soil mapping involves identifying and classifying soil types and their properties such as texture, pH, nutrient levels and organic matter. He added that the methodology will include digital soil mapping, which uses computer-based tools, satellite and drone imagery and environmental data. This will be supplemented by field sampling, laboratory analysis and proximal sensing techniques like electromagnetic induction. The VC added that soil mapping can lead to improved crop yields, more efficient use of inputs and lower environmental impact. "This results in higher yields and reduced input costs, leading to increased profitability for farmers. It will also bring socio-economic transformation in the lives of farmers and across the state," he said. Earlier, a review meeting chaired by the director (research), A K Singh, who also serves as the nodal officer for the project, was held to finalise the modalities. Talking to this newspaper on Thursday, he said the soil mapping would be completed by 2028 to aid in future agricultural planning under the agriculture road map. A scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra said the initiative would bring a "sea change" to the farming sector.
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