2025, Vol. 8, Special Issue 4

author(s)
Ambika Devi Yumkhaibam, Cherom Boi, Disha Awasthy, Anakha Unnikrishnan and Gurshaminder Singh

abstract
Punjab, recognized as India's agricultural heartland, is grappling with critical soil degradation stemming from intensive farming practices, characterized by excessive chemical fertilizer application, monoculture cropping systems, and unsustainable groundwater extraction. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of precision agriculture techniques, with a specific focus on soil testing, in assessing and potentially mitigating this degradation. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research utilized primary survey data collected from 95 farmers across six strategically selected villages in the Fatehgarh Sahib and Rupnagar districts of Punjab. The survey instrument was meticulously designed to capture data on farmers' awareness, adoption, and perceived barriers related to soil testing practices. The analysis revealed a significant discrepancy: while a substantial majority (78.3%) of farmers demonstrated awareness of soil testing benefits, only a small fraction (16.7%) had implemented these practices on their farms. This disparity underscores the presence of practical impediments, including economic constraints, logistical challenges related to access to testing services, and a perceived lack of the requisite technical expertise. Notably, an educational video intervention, designed to address knowledge gaps and demonstrate soil testing procedures, resulted in a dramatic increase in farmers' stated intention to adopt soil testing (91.7%). This finding highlights the potent influence of targeted educational interventions in driving behavioral change. The study concludes by emphasizing the imperative for a multi-pronged strategy to combat soil degradation in Punjab. This strategy should encompass the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop diversification and organic farming, substantial investments in rural infrastructure to enhance access to resources, and the implementation of comprehensive farmer education programs. By addressing both knowledge deficits and practical barriers, it is possible to foster the widespread adoption of precision agriculture techniques, thereby safeguarding soil health and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Punjab's vital agricultural sector.