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Skill Development Program in Soil-Water-Plant Diagnostics and Laboratory Management

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Program Description

Precision agriculture begins with precision diagnostics. This 16-week hands-on certification course equips participants with critical skills in soil, water, and plant diagnostics, data interpretation, and laboratory operations. The course empowers learners to set up and manage diagnostic laboratories, optimize fertilizer usage, and deliver evidence-based nutrient recommendations to improve agricultural productivity.

Designed for aspiring agri-entrepreneurs, professionals in the fertilizer and agri-input sector, government officers, and field extension workers, the course enables both employment and enterprise creation in the growing field of agri-diagnostics.

Program Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Accurately collect and analyze soil, water, and plant samples for agriculturalpurposes

Interpret diagnostic reports to recommend cost-effective and sustainable input strategies

Design and manage diagnostic labs of different capacities and technical sophistication

Exposure to relate digital and drone-based tools for real-time assessment of crop health and soil fertility

Support farmers, agri-businesses, and local governments with scientifically backed advisory services

Develop bankable business models in the agri-diagnostics sector

Target Participants

This program is ideal for:

B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture and allied graduates

Sponsored candidates from fertilizer companies and agri-input industries

Agriculture department officers, extension workers, and NGO field staff

NABARD, Bank-sponsored or government-funded entrepreneurs establishing soil- testing labs

Rural youth and educated farmers seeking agri-based micro-enterprise opportunities

Program Structure

Duration: 16 weeks

Weekly Engagement: 4 hours (Practical + Demonstration + Field Sessions) in two sessions of 2 hours each.

Mode: Offline (On-campus)

Schedule: Part-time / Flexible

Credits: 2 (0 + 2), transferable to B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture and approved diploma programs

Course Content

Core Practical Modules

Standard operating procedures for sampling soil, water, and plant tissues

Soil parameter analysis (pH, EC, OC, macro- and micronutrients) for fertilizer recommendation

Analysis of problem soils (salinity, acidity, sodicity) and appropriate amelioration strategies

Water quality testing: EC, pH, salinity hazard, and irrigation suitability indices

Crop nutrient diagnostic tools: Leaf analysis

Use of sensors in diagnostic procedures


Technology & Innovation Modules

Drone and remote-sensing applications in soil fertility mapping and crop stress detection

GIS-integrated diagnostic reporting for precision nutrient management

Digital tools for lab recordkeeping, traceability, and advisory automation

Lab Operations & Entrepreneurial Skills

Planning of soil-plant diagnostic laboratories (small to medium scale)

Cost economics, break-even analysis, and staffing requirements

Preparation of bankable DPRs for agri-diagnostic units

Exposure to quality standards: FCO, BIS, ISO protocols


Assessment and Evaluation

1

Assignments & Project Work: 75%

2

Knowledge Checks (Quizzes/Short Tests): 10%

3

Final Capstone Project & Presentation: 15%

4

FCertification eligibility requires a minimum of 90% attendance and approved project submission.

Certification

Participants will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in Soil-Water-Plant Diagnostics and Laboratory Management from Kaveri University, with optional co-certification from industry partners, subject to project review and field performance.

Faculty & Instruction

The course will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team comprising:

University faculty from Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Microbiology, Chemistry, and Agri-Economics

Visiting experts from ISTA-accredited labs, fertilizer industries, and drone service providers

Practical sessions conducted at Kaveri University’s diagnostic labs and model farms

Fee Structure

(Hons) Agriculture Students: Included in academic program fee

External Participants: Fees are flexible and based on duration, group size, and lab access requirements (custom packages available for government or NGO-sponsored cohorts)

Support Services

Entrepreneurial mentoring and project report guidance

Placement support through University Career Cell and partner agri-enterprises

Access to laboratory tools, digital diagnostic platforms, and datasets for practice

Guidance for linking with government subsidy schemes and funding institutions (e.g., NABARD)

Acknowledgements & Credit

Training is delivered by:

Credits: 2 (0 + 2), fully recognized within the academic framework of Kaveri University

Special thanks to industry partners, research collaborators, and technical faculty for supporting this industry-integrated skill development initiative

Build the Future of Sustainable Farming through Science-Backed Diagnostics!

Register now to develop critical skills in agri-lab operations, soil health management, and entrepreneurship in the high-impact agri-input sector.

Enroll Now

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Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.

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