With the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the State Institution "Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development", in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Republic of Tajikistan, organized a training seminar entitled "Soil Doctors", bringing together agricultural specialists from the Vose, Hamadoni, Farkhor, and Danghara districts.
The seminar was held in Danghara District with the participation of scientists and specialists from the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan. During the event, participants discussed pressing issues facing the agricultural sector and explored practical approaches to addressing them.
The two-day training seminar took place on 22–23 July 2026 at the Skills Development Center in Danghara District. The program consisted of two components: a theoretical session and a practical field session.
During the theoretical session, agricultural specialists and farmers attended presentations focusing on current challenges in agriculture, ways to improve soil fertility in the region, the application of modern technologies, and the implementation of scientific achievements developed by researchers in support of integrated soil management and conservation strategies.
The practical session featured demonstrations by scientists from the Institute using modern "Soil Doctors" equipment. Under field conditions, participants were introduced to rapid diagnostic methods for assessing the physical and agrochemical properties of soils. These included determining soil pH, soil texture (particle-size distribution), organic matter content, deficiencies of essential plant nutrients, and the overall condition of the soil. Participants also learned practical methods for reclaiming saline soils, improving soil reclamation status, and measuring air and soil temperature, soil moisture, and soil pH.
The primary objective of such training seminars is to strengthen the capacity of agricultural specialists to address existing challenges in the sector, promote the adoption of innovative technologies in agricultural production, improve the efficient use of land resources, assess soil nutrient status using modern diagnostic equipment, and implement timely measures to enhance soil fertility and increase crop productivity.
The seminar played an important role in improving the professional competence of agricultural specialists by strengthening their knowledge and practical skills while creating favorable conditions for the wider application of scientific achievements in agricultural practice.
Throughout the seminar, participants actively engaged in discussions with experts, raised questions on current agricultural challenges, gained deeper knowledge of modern soil science and agrochemistry, and exchanged practical experience. It was proposed that similar training seminars involving leading scientists should continue to be organized regularly on various agricultural topics.
The seminar proved to be both informative and memorable for all participants. Upon successfully completing the practical training in soil diagnostics, participants received "Soil Doctor" certificates together with official field bags.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants—primarily farmers and heads of dehkan farms from Danghara District—expressed their sincere appreciation to the State Institution "Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development", the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan for organizing this valuable and meaningful initiative.
