Parliament Question: Biotech Research Hub in Muzaffarnagar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2009 ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 Biotech Research Hub in Muzaffarnagar 2009: Shri Harendra Singh Malik:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a local Biotech Research Hub in Muzaffarnagar to enhance sugarcane yield and protect the crop from diseases and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to set up ‘Science and Technology Cluster’ in Muzaffarnagar district under the 'Drone Shakti' Mission in order to train sugarcane farmers in cost-effective pesticide spraying and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any affordable ‘Indigenous Water Recycling Technology’ is being shared through Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to treat the wastewater discharged from paper mills in Muzaffarnagar and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether it is proposed to formulate any scheme to provide portable soil testing kits to the Panchayats of Muzaffarnagar for instantaneous testing of soil fertility and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY & EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (d) The Government through it’s Department of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare (DA&FW) promotes judicious use of fertilizer through Soil Health & Fertility scheme. The scheme is implemented since 2014-15 to provide Soil Health Cards (SHCs) for all farm holdings, to promote balanced and integrated nutrient management for improving productivity and soilfertility. Soil samples are processed as per standard procedures and analyzed for parameters such as pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, and micronutrients (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese & Boron). A total of 25.79 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated/ distributed since 2014-15 to till date across the country. Total 8302 Soil Testing Labs (1082 Static Soil Testing Labs, 163 Mobile Soil Testing Labs, 6376 Mini Soil Testing Labs and 681 Village Level Soil Testing Labs) have been established across the country. As far as establishment of Village Level Soil Testing labs in Muzaffarnagar is concerned, the Agriculture Research and Soil Survey, Uttar Pradesh has reported that under Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PMRKVY), in FY 2025-26, target of 02- VLSTL (Village Level Soil Testing Labs) are sanctioned for Muzaffarnagar district.

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