The Narendra Modi government cuts soil testing proposal by 75% sent by the Bihar government for the 2026–27 agricultural program. The state had proposed testing six lakh soil samples, but the Centre approved testing for only 1.5 lakh samples.
The decision affects the plan prepared by the government led by Samrat Choudhary. Officials say the agriculture department will now revise district-wise targets and send a fresh plan to the Centre. The move has raised concerns about how many farmers will benefit from soil testing this year.
Soil testing runs under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, where the Centre funds 60% of the cost and the state pays the remaining 40%.
Last year, Bihar tested about three lakh soil samples, including 50,000 from natural farming areas. Experts say soil testing helps farmers know which nutrients their land lacks and improves crop productivity.
The state has soil testing laboratories in all 38 districts, along with several divisional and referral labs to support the program.
