As part of its programme to embed sustainability in farming practices, ITC has instituted Soil Compaction Management initiative to help farmers enhance soil health, thereby raising farm productivity and quality. Through this initiative, ITC's agri-extension experts recommend farmers on sub-soiling operation to address the impermeable hard pan below the soil layer, known as soil compaction. Soil compaction is considered a farmer's nightmare, as it induces root deformity, limits water and air infiltration, increases resistance to root penetration and ultimately results in reduced crop yield.
A special device known as the 'penetrometer' is used to determine the depth at which the soil is compacted in each farm, and the sub-soiling process is demonstrated by breaking the hard pan in order to achieve optimum soil conditions.
The outreach of the intensive field demonstrations carried out by ITC has ensured that over 25,000 Hectares of land are sub-soiled in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana & Rajasthan, helping in restoring the soil structure and generating good returns to the farmers.
ITC's Soil Compaction Management initiative promises a better future for all of us, as soil health is directly related to our food system, with almost 100% of the food consumed in India growing directly or indirectly on soils.