Dibrugarh: A diagnosis for a wilting crop may now come right at the farm gate.Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, on Saturday launched a Mobile Plant Health Clinic vehicle on its campus, with vice -chancellor Dipjyoti Rajkhowa flagging off the service. The initiative, aligned with the National Pulses Mission, seeks to make farm extension more science-based and farmer-centric.The vehicle is equipped with microscopes, disease-detection equipment, soil and water testing kits, insect-identification material, GPS, internet connectivity, digital databases and an LED screen. Scientists will use it to diagnose crop diseases, nutrient deficiencies and other problems on-site, collect samples and conduct preliminary tests. Samples needing detailed analysis will be sent to advanced laboratories.Rajkhowa said the clinic was designed around farmers’ welfare. “The core objective of the Mobile Plant Health Clinic vehicle is to provide timely, scientific advice to farmers. By rapidly diagnosing crop problems, it will significantly help minimise farmers’ losses, boost production and build a sustainable agricultural system,” he said.“As part of the various multi-dimensional initiatives taken by the central and state govts for the upliftment of agriculture and farmers, we are endeavouring to contribute from our end through such steps, so that we can make Assam self-reliant in the agricultural sector,” he added.The service is expected to help farmers growing paddy, tea, vegetables, fruits, maize, mustard and pulses. In its first phase, the mobile unit will cover Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Sivasagar in coordination with local Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Assam Agricultural University vice-chancellor Dipjyoti Rajkhowa flags off the service
Assam Agricultural University vice-chancellor Dipjyoti Rajkhowa flags off the service
