Dr Reddy’s opens soil testing centre in Hyderabad, can test 2,00,000 samples annually
Degradation of land is one of the major challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in India
By Newsmeter Network Published on 17 Jan 2025 4:42 PM IST
Dr Reddy’s opens soil testing centre in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Now, a new soil testing centre has opened here that promises to make testing fast and affordable to help with a range of functions, especially agricultural activities.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited and Dr Reddy’s Foundation inaugurated a unique soil testing resource centre in Hyderabad on Friday.
Spreading across 14,750 sqft, the centre is designed to provide fast, accurate and affordable soil testing services to a diverse range of beneficiaries, including farmers, agronomists, agricultural researchers and institutions, to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance productivity.
Better soil testing will help moderate fertiliser application, improve crop yields
Degradation of land is one of the major challenges to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability in India.
Factors such as soil erosion, overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and poor land management have led to declining soil fertility. Accurate soil testing plays a critical role in addressing these challenges by helping assess the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of soil. This data empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions on fertiliser application, crop selection and sustainable soil nutrient management, thereby improving yields, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental outcomes.
Modern tech employed can process 2,00,000 soil samples a year
The foundation said that the centre is equipped with advanced technology and instruments such as Thermo Gallery Plus Discrete Analyzer, ICP-OES 5800, MP-AES Agilent 4210, Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC System, Infinity HPLC and Foss KEL Plus Kjeltec 8400.
Through this equipment, the centre offers comprehensive chemical, biological and physical testing of soil testing of over 18 parameters, including primary, macro and micronutrients, as well as heavy metals in soil, water and plants. The centre has the capability to process up to 2,00,000 soil samples annually. The centre offers cost-effective and detailed soil health evaluations including nutrient composition, pH levels, organic matter content and other critical parameters.
How much soil in India undergoes testing?
Only 5-20 per cent of India’s cultivable land undergoes soil analysis, leaving a significant gap in soil health understanding.
Soil Test-Based Recommendations (STCR) outperform General Recommendation Dose (GRD) by optimising nutrient use, increasing crop yields by 20-30 per cent and enhancing farm income.
The Soil Testing Resource Centre (STRC) aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application of regenerative agriculture practices by offering precise, timely and affordable soil analysis. With the current capacity to process up to 75,000 soil samples annually, STRC will not only empower farmers with actionable insights to improve soil health and productivity but at the same time would provide tailored recommendations benefiting the RA ecosystem as a whole, Dr Reddy’s said in public notice.
Focus on affordability, accessibility
Speaking about the initiative, Suman S, head of Climate Action and Rural Livelihoods initiatives, said, “The soil testing resource centre is a significant step and part of our evidence-based scientific initiatives to promote sustainable development and empower communities. It reflects our commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges through innovation and community-focused solutions. Through this centre, we aim to bridge the gap in access to reliable soil data, benefiting farmers, researchers and agronomists alike. With a focus on affordability, accessibility, and technological excellence, the centre is poised to become a valuable resource for a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural ecosystem. By enabling precise and timely decisions, we hope to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and long-term productivity gains.”
About Dr Reddy’s Foundation
Dr Reddy’s Foundation (DRF) was started in 1996 by Dr K Anji Reddy, a renowned scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, with the mission to educate and skill children and youth from low-income households to fast-track them towards better livelihood options.
Currently, DRF operates in 22 states in India and collaborates with diverse partners to collectively impact low-income households.
