Training Workshop on Soil Organic Carbon Detection Kit Held in Tripura

The School of Agro and Rural Technology (SART), Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Tripura, and ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, organised a one-day Training-cum-Capacity Building Workshop on the Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Detection Kit at ICAR–KVK West Tripura.

The programme brought together agricultural scientists, Subject Matter Specialists, extension personnel and farmers from West Tripura, South Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati and Khowai districts. The workshop aimed to strengthen field-level soil-health assessment and promote scientific approaches to soil organic carbon management.

The technical sessions focused on the importance of Soil Organic Carbon as a key indicator of soil health and its role in improving soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, microbial activity and sustainable crop production. Participants were also sensitised to the need for regular monitoring of soil organic carbon to support informed soil and nutrient management practices.

A major highlight of the programme was a live field-level demonstration of the Soil Organic Carbon Detection Kit. Participants received hands-on training in soil sample collection, preparation, testing and interpretation of results. Developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), the kit enables rapid estimation of soil organic carbon under field conditions, helping farmers and extension personnel obtain timely information on the carbon status of agricultural soils.

The technical session also highlighted the scientific significance of soil carbon management and the need to strengthen farmer-level soil monitoring. A video presentation on Soil Organic Carbon and its importance in sustainable agriculture was screened as part of the programme.

The interactive session witnessed active participation from farmers, who raised queries related to soil sampling procedures, interpretation of SOC levels and the application of test results for improving soil management. Experts emphasised that regular assessment of soil organic carbon can contribute to better decisions related to soil fertility, soil health and long-term agricultural productivity.

The programme concluded with the distribution of Soil Organic Carbon Detection Kits among participating farmers, providing the farming community with a practical tool for field-level soil-health assessment.

Representatives from the State Department of Agriculture, Belbari, along with scientists, extension personnel and farmers from different districts of Tripura, participated in the programme.

(Source: ICAR- KVK West Tripura, ICAR RC for NEH Region)