Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Soil Testing Laboratory (R&D) at Soil Water Conservation Research & Training Centre, Sechü, Kohima on 7th December 2021. 

Rio stated that soil testing laboratory is an important and basic requirement for soil health and management. He said that the new laboratory is a step towards modernization and self-sufficiency in food production. He said land and water are the most valuable resources and human existence depends on them. The Chief Minister added that there is a need to devise methods to use the resources judiciously. He urged the farmers to use modern technology and be progressive farmers. He also stressed on the need to use technology to achieve self-sufficiency. Rio expressed his happiness at various progress and development among farmers and their use of technology. 

Minister Soil & Water Conservation, Geology and Mining & NSMDC, V. Kashiho Sangtam, speaking at the inaugural programme highlighted the activities and projects undertaken by the Department of Soil and Water Conservation while also giving a brief history of the Department. He said that the department is currently working towards setting up of mini soil testing laboratories in all the 74 blocks in the State. He further shed light on the importance of the soil testing laboratories and how it was helping the farmers in the state. Sangtam also said that the laboratories will benefit not just the farming community in the state but also other State departments who are in the construction sector and also students and research scholars who can utilize the laboratories for their research and conducting practical. In conclusion, he emphasized on the need for everyone to be aware of the importance of soil health and encouraged all to actively participate in keeping the soil alive.

Agriculture Production Commissioner, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS gave the keynote address while the technical report was shared by the State Nodal Officer, Soil Health Management & Additional Director, K Khekiho Shohe. Executive Director/ CEO, Octopus Inc, Omesh Boni delivered the commissioning report. 

The programme was chaired by Commissioner & Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation and Geology & Mining, K Libanthung Lotha, IAS while Director, Soil & Water Conservation delivered the vote of thanks. 

                                                                                    (Wepre, APRO & Morotsung, IA)