Punjab Launches Mobile Soil Testing Labs for Farmers

The Government of Punjab has launched the Lab on Wheels project, introducing mobile laboratories that will provide on-site soil and water testing services to farmers across the province as part of the government’s push to modernize agriculture through digital technologies.

Under the initiative, farmers can request a mobile laboratory with a single phone call. Field teams will visit farms to collect soil and water samples, conduct scientific analysis on site, and issue test reports immediately along with recommendations on suitable crops and fertilizer use.

Mobile laboratories will offer

• On site testing of soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC).
• Analysis of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) levels.
• Instant digital test reports delivered through SMS and WhatsApp.
• Crop and fertilizer recommendations tailored to soil conditions.
• On site advisory services from agricultural experts

Speaking at the launch, Maryam Nawaz said accurate soil assessment and balanced fertilizer use are essential for improving agricultural productivity and achieving self sufficiency. She said the initiative is aimed at shifting Punjab’s agriculture from conventional practices to a scientific and digital model while reducing production costs and increasing farmers’ income per acre.

Officials said the project will be monitored through a central control room, with all mobile laboratories tracked using GPS and supported by live camera streaming and dashboard monitoring to ensure transparency.

Farmers’ requests will be processed digitally, while field staff attendance will also be recorded through a mobile application.

The government has also set annual targets under the initiative, which include collecting 20,000 soil samples, organizing 500 farmers’ field days, training 15,000 farmers, and developing a digital GPS-based soil map of Punjab using real-time cloud data.

Officials said the initiative is expected to improve soil health through balanced fertilizer use, reduce production costs, and provide farmers with scientific guidance at their doorsteps.