Chandigarh, May 28, 2025: A major push for sustainable agriculture and scientific soil management began today as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria flagged off the Vikset Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan & Soil Yatra from Raj Bhavan.

This nationwide initiative, under the umbrella of the Vikset Bharat Sankalp Yatra, is designed to raise awareness among farmers about the critical importance of soil health. The campaign is being implemented with support from national agricultural institutions and agri-tech startups and will cover 17 districts over a span of 12 days, directly engaging farmers in field-level diagnostics and demonstrations.

The campaign features a specially designed mobile van equipped with tools for advanced soil testing—including live demonstration microscopes for soil microbes, equipment for assessing soil biology, chemistry, and structure—and will deliver on-the-spot soil analysis at farm locations. The mobile van also carries educational materials to inform farmers about the long-term impact of soil degradation and the benefits of regenerative farming.

While launching the yatra, the Governor emphasized the urgent need to promote scientific methods and organic solutions in farming practices. It was noted that the deteriorating quality of soil has led to a cascade of challenges, including poor crop nutrition, environmental degradation, and potential health risks linked to food and groundwater contamination.

Highlighting the relevance of this initiative, the Governor stated that it is no longer enough to focus only on crop yields. Instead, agriculture must prioritize soil health as the foundation of food security, environmental sustainability, and public health. The campaign, through its on-ground engagement, is expected to empower farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to improve organic carbon levels in the soil using Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and Liquid FOM (LFOM)—alternatives that help reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The Governor also expressed concern about the long-term effects of poor soil management, including the rising burden of health issues in several regions. He suggested that innovative solutions like these should be scaled up in specific districts where the impact of soil degradation is most acute. Targeted focus and sustained outreach were identified as key to reversing damage and supporting local agricultural ecosystems.

The campaign is being carried out in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and local agricultural extension teams. In addition to soil testing, it will promote sustainable waste-to-farm solutions by encouraging the conversion of crop residues and agricultural waste into organic inputs—an approach that also offers a long-term remedy for issues like stubble burning.

The Governor called for a greater collaborative effort among research bodies, startups, and government departments to strengthen the foundation of Indian agriculture through science-led, farmer-centric solutions. He also urged that the benefits of this initiative must reach small and marginal farmers, who are most vulnerable to the challenges of declining soil fertility and input costs.

This initiative reflects a larger national movement to support climate-resilient agriculture and ensure long-term food and environmental security through healthy soil, sustainable inputs, and informed farming practices.

Those who present on the occasion includesSh.Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor,Priyank Bharti Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Govt of Punjab, Surbhi Malik ,Director, Industries & Commerce and MD, Punjab Small Industries Export Corporation, Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director, IISER, Mohali, Dr. Balbir Singh Khadda, Deputy Director

KVK Mohali, Satyendra Singh Choudhary, CEO, TBI, IISER, Mohali and Dr Rupesh Singh, Vice President, Adani Group (North), Social Worker Karan Gilhotra, Ashish Kumar MD Verbio India and other dignitaries.