The Government is according high priority to soil testing for balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and locally available organic manures.

More than one thousand soil testing laboratories have been set up in the country for this purpose. An official press release says that the measures taken by the government include awareness programmes for farmers about the health of soil.

The Centre is also providing assistance to State Governments for setting up soil testing laboratories for augmenting existing capacity of States. About 4885.25 lakh soil health cards have been distributed to farmers up to March 2012.

Our correspondent reports that National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility was introduced in 2008 in this connection to promote soil test based balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with organic manures.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research also imparts training and organizes demonstrations to educate farmers on these aspects.