Hyderabad: Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), in collaboration with the agriculture department, will train 30,000 soil health volunteers and reach nearly 2.4 lakh farmers through two programmes over the next two months.Under the first programme, two to three volunteers in each revenue village will be trained in soil health management, testing methods, soil health cards, and report preparation.University vice-chancellor Aldas Janaiah said around 200 teams, comprising university scientists, students and agriculture officials will visit nearly 1,600 villages to promote healthy farming practices. The second initiative, Scientists at Farmers’ Doorstep, will be conducted from April 27 to May 25 to directly train 2.4 lakh farmers across the state.Both programmes will be implemented through 31 farmer knowledge centres and 15 research institutes under PJTSAU. Trained volunteers will serve as local resource persons, spreading awareness in their villages.The initiative aims to curb excessive use of chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable farming. Janaiah said improving soil health will not only enhance crop productivity but also improve food quality and human health. It will also help farmers make informed crop choices and encourage diversification. At a governing body meeting on Monday, chaired by the vice-chancellor, the university also approved its annual budget for the upcoming fiscal and key decisions under the 99-day public governance plan.
