SRINAGAR: To promote agricultural innovation and empower youth through self-employment, 27-year-old Saqib Sidiq Mir from Thune village has established the first-ever Village Soil Testing Lab (VSTL) in the Kangan sub-division of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Aimed at enhancing scientific farming practices and improving crop productivity, the lab became fully operational in the first week of May 2025. Its official inauguration was marked by the presence of the Director of Agriculture, Kashmir, underscoring the importance of the initiative in strengthening rural agri-tech infrastructure.
Hailing from agricultural background, Saqib has been actively involved in farming alongside his family since childhood. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree, he continued helping on their farmland, eventually deepening his interest in sustainable agriculture during his postgraduate studies in Geography.
Motivated by his academic grounding and with technical guidance from the local Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), Iqbal, Saqib submitted a proposal in September 2024 to establish the VSTL. The proposal received approval from the district-level committee, and with 70 per cent financial assistance from the Department of Agriculture, the lab was set up within two months.
Saqib said he felt privileged and honoured to have set up the first soil testing lab in the sub-division. “This initiative will not only aid local farmers in making informed decisions about their soil health and crop planning but will also help me provide employment opportunities to at least two to three people.”
Reflecting on the broader vision behind the initiative, Saqib added, “I always believed that real change begins at the grassroots. With this lab, we’re not just testing soil—we’re cultivating a future of smart, informed farming.”
The lab is one of only four such facilities across Ganderbal district, making it a valuable resource for farmers seeking scientific support in their agricultural practices. Saqib extended heartfelt thanks to the Agriculture Department for its support. (KNO)
