Declining soil quality raises concern over future crop production in Kailali

Kailali: Soil tests conducted in Kailali have revealed high levels of salinity along with deficiencies of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash, raising concerns about future agricultural productivity.

The soil testing program was organized by the Community Cooperative Organization Satti in Satti and Bhajani areas of Tikapur, with technical assistance from the Soil and Fertilizer Testing Laboratory, Sundarpur, under the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Sudurpaschim Province Government. The initiative aimed to assess soil conditions prior to crop cultivation.

During the tests conducted on Saturday and Sunday, soil samples from 91 farmers in Satti and 30 in Bhajani were analyzed. According to cooperative secretary Krit Thakulla, the program was intended to raise awareness among cooperative members about maintaining soil quality for environmental sustainability, human health, and crop protection.

Assistant Soil Science Officer Ham Prasad Newre from the Soil and Fertilizer Testing Laboratory, Sundarpur, Kanchanpur, described the findings as alarming. “The soil quality of all the tested farms has deteriorated. We examined samples from 121 farmers, and all showed high porosity,” he said. “The levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash are weak, which is reducing crop production.”

Newre warned that if the current condition persists, agricultural production may not be possible from the soil within the next 10 years. He emphasized the need to prioritize soil improvement programs rather than continuing only with testing. “Local governments should now focus on improvement initiatives,” he said. “Due to declining livestock product prices, manure availability has decreased. It is necessary to make paddy cultivation mandatory to increase green manure and promote the use of organic fertilizers.”

The testing laboratory conducts analysis of more than 5,000 samples annually and provides recommendations in coordination with Agricultural Knowledge Centers, local governments, organizations, and cooperatives across districts in the Far West. Farmers can also submit samples independently, with a fee of Rs 100 per sample, while students are charged Rs 200 and cooperatives or organizations Rs 400 per sample. Additionally, soil testing is conducted in all nine remote districts upon request from Agricultural Knowledge Centers.

Following testing, farmers are issued soil health certificates detailing pH levels, organic matter content, and the status of nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and soil structure. The certificates also include recommendations for soil improvement measures. Based on these findings, experts stress the importance of using organic fertilizers such as cow dung and green manure to sustain crop production.

Although local municipalities are conducting awareness programs on green manure and organic fertilizers, experts note that farmers must also take responsibility. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has been identified as a major factor contributing to soil degradation and environmental damage.

To support sustainable soil management, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has already formulated and implemented the Pesticide Management Regulations 2081, emphasizing organic fertilizers and farming methods.

Agricultural technicians state that all three tiers of government have prioritized the issue. Rabina Chaudhary, an agricultural technician at Tikapur Municipality, said that efforts are underway to promote farming practices based on soil quality while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. “We have been providing farmers with information on green manure production to prevent soil degradation and advising them to cultivate dhaincha,” she said. “Farmers must prioritize soil protection, as healthy soil ensures a healthy environment.”