In a significant step toward enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, Bangladesh has launched the "Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory" programme to bring soil quality testing services directly to farmers' doorsteps.
The initiative, titled "Providing Balanced Fertiliser Recommendation Cards After Testing Farmers' Soil Directly," aims to ensure efficient and eco-friendly fertiliser usage.
The programme, which operates 10 mobile soil labs, was inaugurated on Sunday (November 24) by Dr Begum Samia Sultana, Director General of the Soil Resource Development Institute, during a ceremony at Khamarbari in Dhaka. The Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Md Saiful Alam, also attended the event.
Target areas and subsidised services
The MSTL programme will operate in 56 upazilas across 49 districts, offering farmers the ability to test their soil for a subsidised fee of Tk 25, a fraction of the actual cost of Tk 440.
Distribution of fertiliser recommendation cards, based on these tests, will begin from November 17, providing tailored guidance for optimising fertiliser application.
Advancing agricultural practices
Dr Samia Sultana highlighted the programme’s legacy, saying, "The Mobile Soil Testing Laboratory has been operational since 1996, serving farmers during the Rabi and Kharif seasons. This initiative empowers farmers to apply balanced fertilisers, enhancing crop yields and safeguarding the environment."
DAE director general Md Saiful Alam underscored the economic and environmental significance of the program: "Such motivational programs encourage farmers to avoid indiscriminate fertilizer usage. Proper recommendations reduce fertiliser wastage, lower import dependency, and cut production costs while boosting yields."
Scientific impact
Studies indicate that soil testing and tailored fertiliser application can increase crop yields by 15-20%. It can reduce production costs by 10-15%. The tests decrease excessive fertiliser use, preventing soil and water pollution.
The mobile labs will remain at each location for 3-5 days, ensuring comprehensive testing and providing farmers with actionable insights.