Outcome of Discussions on Soil Health by STCR/STFRS Working Group 2 NeGP – A

STCR based model has been implemented in Maharashtra Would be extended to 15 States by 31st August 2014 Statewise recommendations to be finalised by NIC Pune & IISS Bhopal Workflow and database fields of West Bengal including input and output screens for the SHC application to be circulated to all States Integration of existing data from States who want to continue using their own system so that the entire data will be at one place

Uniform software for all States On selection of an area, software should decide on STCR or STCR-FYM or STFRS Multiple options for collection of data (soil samples) and record Types of Labs to appear from a drop down list District /Sub-District/Village Codes to be populated for the nation so that previous data can be entered for Fertility Maps List of source of samples to be standardised

Facility to enter multiple Khasra/Plot numbers UNITS of application of fertlisers and recommendations by the software may be fixed by choice for example: kg/tonne/quintals per ha/acre/bigha Census codes to be used Blocks to mapped with NARP zones SAU’s should be involved for vetting the outcome of methods applicable for soil testing Data on soil types and texture to be collected and made available as basic/master data

Provision should also exist to upload data in offline mode where Internet connectivity isn’t available so that data may be uploaded when connectivity is available – a problem that may be looked into. SAUs should be involved in the development of software and should also be vetted by IISS The application should be user friendly – reduce keyboard fatigue

S Availability of Core Competency in the area Success stories available Upbeat farming and research communities Plagued with internal operating problems – Ill equipped laboratories Negative attitude Demoralised staff Weak image Underutilised facilities W Strong will to introduce ICT in Soil Testing Growth of awareness on Soil Testing and its usefulness To serve or cater to new segments Turf wars Disruptions – through preemptive designs Unavailability of ICT with Internet connectivity Unskilled manpower at work O T

Action Plan: Fixation of Strategy for Development and Deployment Identification of the Scope of Activities for execution Identification of Resources as per the Scope Fixation of Time Frame as per the Scope Estimation of expenditure for deployment of resources within the time frame Official responsible for implementation of this service at a location should not be moved out or transferred The official be so chosen that he/she is sufficiently away from superannuation