School Soil Health Programme Organized at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Sonahatu
Sonahatu, Ranchi: A School Soil Health Programme was successfully organized at PM Shri Kasturba Gandhi Balika Residential School, Sonahatu, jointly by the District Agriculture Department–ATMA, Ranchi and Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, RKM, Ranchi.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Scientist (Agronomy), Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ranchi, provided the students with important and practical information on soil health and soil testing. Around 250 girl students from Classes 9 to 12 enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Dr. Singh explained the importance of major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulphur and micronutrients such as zinc, boron, and molybdenum. The students were also informed about soil pH, organic carbon, nutrient deficiency symptoms, and their impact on crop growth and productivity.
A practical demonstration on the scientific method of soil sampling was also conducted. Students were explained how to collect soil samples from different parts of a field, prepare a representative sample, and send it for laboratory testing.
The programme was conducted under the supervision of the District Agriculture Department–ATMA, Ranchi. Shri S. K. Jha, Deputy Project Director, ATMA; Shri Pradeep Kumar, BTM, Burmu Block; and Shri Dinanath Bhagat, BTM, Sonahatu Block, were present on the occasion.
School Warden Smt. Sarojini Toppo, teacher Smt. Shashi Bada, along with other teachers and staff, were also present and supported the successful organization of the programme.
The students showed keen interest and actively participated by asking questions related to soil health, soil testing, nutrient management, and soil fertility. Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh addressed their queries in a simple and practical manner.
The main objective of the programme was to create awareness among students about soil health, balanced nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture and to encourage them to share this knowledge with their families and farming communities.
