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Coromandel International Unveils State-of-the-Art Soil and Leaf Testing Lab in Kakinada to Revolutionize Indian Agriculture

Precision nutrient testing empowers farmers with actionable data, boosting yields and advancing sustainable farming practices.

Mumbai, 20th January 2025: Coromandel International Limited, a key player in India’s agricultural input industry, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art soil and leaf testing laboratory at its facility in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. This advanced lab is a game-changer for Indian farming, offering farmers precise nutrient insights to enhance productivity and protect soil health. The laboratory is equipped with cutting-edge technology such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF), which deliver unparalleled accuracy in detecting essential nutrients in soil and crops. By using this data, farmers can optimize fertilizer usage, reduce waste, and embrace sustainable agricultural practices tailored to their specific needs.

Breaking New Ground in Soil Health Analysis
Soil health is the backbone of agriculture, but in India, declining soil fertility has become a critical issue. According to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 52% of agricultural land globally suffers from degradation, with improper fertilizer application as a major cause.
Coromandel’s laboratory in Kakinada addresses this challenge by providing:
Comprehensive Soil Testing: Advanced tools like spectrophotometers and microwave digesters deliver detailed soil health profiles, identifying nutrient deficiencies and pH imbalances.
Leaf Nutrient Analysis: Using ED-XRF technology, the lab evaluates nutrient uptake efficiency, helping farmers improve crop resilience and yields.
These capabilities empower farmers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about nutrient management, resulting in healthier soil and increased agricultural productivity.

Driving Farmer Empowerment Through Technology
One of the standout features of the new facility is its integration with digital platforms, making soil testing services accessible to farmers across the country. Farmers can now:
Submit soil samples for testing through an automated request system powered by Salesforce CRM.
Receive personalized test reports and recommendations directly on their mobile phones.
Access tailored fertilizer advice through the Gromor Nutri Advisory Portal, a digital platform that offers crop-specific solutions.
This seamless digital infrastructure ensures that farmers receive timely, data-driven insights, helping them improve efficiency and reduce input costs.

Leadership Insights: A Vision for Sustainable Farming
Speaking at the launch, Arun Alagappan, Executive Chairman of Coromandel International, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting Indian farmers. He was joined by S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, who underscored the lab’s transformative potential.
This laboratory is more than just a facility, it’s a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture in India, said Sankarasubramanian.
By offering precise nutrient data, we are enabling farmers to make smarter decisions, ensuring better crop outcomes and long-term soil health. Their vision aligns with India’s growing push toward sustainable practices in agriculture, including the goals outlined by the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).

Sustainable Farming: The Future of Indian Agriculture
Coromandel’s investment in precision agriculture technology reflects a growing trend in India’s agricultural sector. As the country faces challenges like declining productivity, soil degradation, and rising fertilizer costs, solutions like state-of-the-art soil and leaf testing are critical.
Why it matters:
Precise Input Usage: Reduces over-fertilization, saving costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Improved Yields: By addressing nutrient deficiencies, farmers can achieve higher productivity with fewer resources. Eco-Friendly Practices: Encourages sustainable farming methods that protect natural resources. This approach not only benefits farmers but also aligns with global sustainability goals to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.

A Trusted Leader in Agricultural Innovation
Coromandel International, a subsidiary of the Murugappa Group, is no stranger to driving change in the agricultural sector. Headquartered in Hyderabad, the company is a leader in manufacturing fertilizers, specialty nutrients, and crop protection products.
With this new lab, Coromandel strengthens its reputation as a farmer-focused organization, offering integrated solutions that include soil testing, nutrient recommendations, and agri-advisory services.

Fast Facts About the Kakinada Laboratory
Location: Coromandel Plant, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
Technologies Used:
ICP-OES: Precise detection of micronutrients.
ED-XRF: Advanced leaf analysis.
Microwave Digesters: Enhanced sample preparation.
Spectrophotometers: Accurate pH and nutrient profiling.
Digital Integration: Automated test requests via Salesforce CRM. Support Tools: Linked to Gromor Nutri Advisory Portal for customized recommendations

Q: What is the purpose of Coromandel’s new laboratory?

A: The lab provides farmers with detailed soil and crop nutrient analyses, enabling them to optimize fertilizer usage and improve yields sustainably.

Q: How does the laboratory benefit farmers?

A: Farmers receive precise nutrient insights and tailored fertilizer recommendations directly on their mobile phones, helping them reduce costs and boost productivity.

Q: How is the lab different from traditional soil testing facilities?

A: The lab uses state-of-the-art technologies like ICP-OES and ED-XRF, offering unmatched precision in soil and leaf analysis.

Q: What is the role of Gromor Nutri Advisory Portal?

A: The portal provides stage-wise fertilizer recommendations based on soil data, helping farmers manage crops more efficiently.
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