Science colleges to mint money by testing soil

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The state govt has distributed 11.2 lakh soil samples among 55 science colleges; each college will get Rs 80 for testing every sample

By Yogesh Avasthi
Posted On Monday, April 19, 2010 (http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=3&contentid=2010041920100419034442179ac0a6f0)
It’s not just colleges that will gain. Of the Rs 80 a college will get per sample, Rs 20 will go to the student who does soil analysis
The Gujarat government has roped in 55 science colleges across the state for its soil health card scheme, which is aimed at helping farmers improve quality of their produce.
Nearly 11.2 lakh samples of soil have been distributed among these colleges for testing. Interestingly, each college will be paid Rs 80 for every sample it analyses.
The soil health card scheme was launched in 2003. Under this programme, the state government issues farmers cards detailing the type and fertility of soil of their land. Information such as land’s mineral content and suitable crops is also mentioned in the card.
The government lists all this information, which helps farmers increase their output, after testing soil of their land. To date, the state agricultural department has collected 42 lakh soil samples.
Of these, 11.2 lakh will be analysed by the 55 science colleges, which include MG Science Institute, St Xavier’s College, KK Shah Science College in Maninagar, CU Shah College and Gujarat Arts & Science College.
It’s not just colleges that will earn some money under this project. Of the Rs 80 a college will get for each sample, Rs 20 will go to the student who does soil analysis. In all, five tests will be carried out by the colleges.
“We have received 12,000 samples,” the principal of MG Science, B K Jain, said. “The government has made the right decision of involving science colleges. Students will get to learn a lot by participating in the soil-testing exercise.”
The principal of Gujarat Science & Arts College, A S Rathod, concurred with Jain. “Students will gain practical knowledge and earn some money,” he said. “We have received 15,500 soil samples and have started testing them.” Interestingly, St Xavier’s College has opened a separate laboratory for soil analysis.
A former assistant agriculture officer, K R Buch, has been asked by the state government to coordinate between the agriculture department and the 55 science colleges. Buch will ensure that the colleges complete testing of soil samples allotted to them by December.

Why govt wants colleges to test soil
In 2003, the govt launched a soil health card scheme to help farmers improve quality of their produce. Under this scheme, it issues farmers cards detailing type and fertility of soil of their land. Information such as land’s mineral content and suitable crops is also mentioned in the card. The govt lists all this information after testing soil of farmers’ land.

What will science colleges do
The state agricultural dept has collected 42 lakh soil samples. Of these, it has distributed 11.2 lakh to 55 science colleges across the state. These colleges, with the help of students, will conduct five tests to ascertain soil composition. The colleges will have to complete the process of testing and send results to the agricultural department by December.

City colleges part of the project
♦ MG Science Institute
♦ St Xavier’s College
♦ KK Shah Science College
♦ CU Shah College
♦ Gujarat Arts & Science College
♦ MG Science and Gujarat Science College have already received 12,000 and 15,500 soil samples, respectively

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