28 July 2026, Cooch Behar / Kolkata
In a significant achievement for agricultural extension and scientific quality assurance, the Soil Testing Laboratory of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (UBKV), Cooch Behar, under the jurisdiction of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, has been awarded NABL Recognition Certificate under NABL 226 – Specific Criteria to Recognise Government Soil Testing Laboratory. The laboratory has been granted Certificate No. NABL-GSTL-00614, marking a major milestone in strengthening the reliability and credibility of soil testing services for the farming community.
The recognition reinforces the laboratory's technical competence and commitment to delivering accurate, reliable, and internationally accepted soil analysis. It is expected to enhance farmers' confidence in soil test-based nutrient management, leading to improved soil health, higher crop productivity, balanced fertilizer use, and sustainable agricultural development.
The achievement is the culmination of a dedicated journey that began in 2024, when ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, in collaboration with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), organised series of capacity-building Workshops across Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These intensive workshops provided technical guidance, hands-on training, and mentorship to laboratory personnel, while promoting a culture of quality through strengthened documentation, standardized operating procedures, equipment calibration, internal quality control, and continual improvement practices.
Speaking on the occasion, the Director, ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, said, "The NABL recognition of the Soil Testing Laboratory at KVK Cooch Behar is a proud milestone for the ICAR extension system, reflecting our commitment to quality, scientific excellence, and farmer-centric service. It demonstrates that capacity building, institutional collaboration, and adherence to internationally accepted quality standards can enable government laboratories to achieve technical excellence. We sincerely acknowledge NABL's continued support and hope this achievement inspires other soil testing laboratories to pursue accreditation, while recognizing that maintaining these standards through continual improvement is the true measure of success. This NABL recognition aligns with ICAR-ATARI Kolkata's commitment to promoting quality-driven, outcome-oriented agricultural extension by strengthening scientific excellence, enhancing farmers' trust, and long-term agricultural development."
The recognition of KVK Cooch Behar is not merely the receipt of a certificate but the outcome of sustained scientific discipline, institutional commitment, and collective perseverance. Every validated analytical procedure, calibrated instrument, meticulously maintained record, and corrective action has contributed to building confidence in the laboratory's analytical results. Ultimately, this confidence benefits farmers by enabling informed soil fertility management and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
The accomplishment also reflects the value of strong institutional collaboration. The continuous support extended by NABL through technical guidance, training programmes, and quality assurance initiatives has played a pivotal role in preparing the laboratory to meet rigorous recognition standards. The success of KVK Cooch Behar is expected to inspire other government soil testing laboratories to pursue similar excellence through recognition.
While celebrating this landmark achievement, experts emphasize that recognition is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a greater responsibility. Maintaining NABL standards demands unwavering integrity, consistency, regular quality monitoring, and a steadfast commitment to continual improvement. Excellence in laboratory services is sustained not through a one-time accomplishment but through disciplined adherence to quality in every observation, analysis, and decision.
The NABL recognition of KVK Cooch Behar stands as a testament to the growing emphasis on quality-driven agricultural services in India. More importantly, it symbolizes the trust that scientific excellence can build among farmers and stakeholders. As agricultural laboratories continue to strengthen their technical competence and service standards, such milestones will play a crucial role in supporting resilient farming systems, enhancing food security, and advancing sustainable agricultural development across the country.
(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)
Like on Facebook
Subscribe on Youtube
Follow on X X
Like on instagram