With the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the State Institution "Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development", in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Tajikistan, continues to conduct “Soil Doctors” training seminars under the Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector Project.
The latest training seminar brought together agricultural specialists from the districts of Vose, Hamadoni, Farkhor, and Dangara. The seminar was held in Dangara District with the participation of scientists and experts from the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences, who addressed key challenges facing the agricultural sector and discussed practical solutions. The two-day training was conducted on 22–23 July 2026 at the Skills Development Center in Dangara District. The program consisted of both theoretical and practical sessions.
During the theoretical session, agricultural specialists and farmers received presentations on current agricultural challenges, approaches to improving soil fertility in the region, the application of modern agricultural technologies, and the latest scientific achievements for implementing integrated soil management and conservation strategies.
The practical field session was conducted using modern “Soil Doctors” diagnostic equipment. Through rapid field assessment methods, experts demonstrated techniques for determining the physical and agrochemical properties of soils, including soil pH, soil texture (granulometric composition), organic matter content, nutrient deficiencies, and the overall condition of the soil. Participants were also introduced to methods for addressing soil salinity, improving soil reclamation conditions, and measuring air temperature, soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH under field conditions.
The primary objective of these training seminars is to strengthen the capacity of agricultural specialists to address existing sector challenges, promote the application of modern technologies in agricultural practice, improve efficient land use, enhance timely assessment and management of soil nutrient availability through modern diagnostic equipment, and ultimately increase agricultural productivity.
The training provides valuable opportunities for agricultural professionals to enhance their knowledge and practical skills while facilitating the application of scientific research and innovation in agricultural production.
Throughout the seminar, participants actively engaged with experts by raising questions on pressing sectoral issues and deepening their understanding of soil science and agrochemistry. Participants also recommended that similar training events be organized more frequently in the future, covering additional topics relevant to agricultural development and involving leading scientists in the field.
The seminar concluded on a positive note for all participants. Upon successful completion of the practical soil diagnostics training, participants were awarded “Soil Doctor” certificates and training kits.
At the closing ceremony, participants—primarily farmers and agricultural producers from the district—expressed their sincere appreciation to the State Institution "Agriculture Entrepreneurship Development", the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Tajik Academy of Agricultural Sciences for organizing this valuable initiative.
