For decades, Indian farmers have relied on inherited wisdom and guesswork to nourish their crops. But as the overuse of chemical fertilisers continues to exhaust the land, soil health is rapidly deteriorating, leaving fields less fertile and productivity stagnant. Once, just 54 kg of fertiliser per hectare was enough to yield two tonnes of crops; today, it takes over 280 kg—a troubling sign of soil fatigue.

Despite knowing the importance of soil testing, most farmers skip it due to the slow, expensive, and cumbersome process. Testing involves collecting samples, sending them to distant labs, and waiting 10–15 days—a delay that farmers can’t afford during tight planting windows.

But now, a game-changing breakthrough promises to rewrite this story.

Developed by Dr. Rajul Patkar, co-founder of Proximal Soilsens Technologies, the NutriSens device is being hailed as the world’s smallest soil testing system. Compact, handheld, and remarkably easy to use, NutriSens delivers lab-like results in under five minutes—right in the field.

Using just a few grams of soil, the device provides an instant analysis of key soil nutrients, helping farmers understand exactly what their soil needs before sowing. This leads to targeted fertiliser use, reduced costs, and most importantly, restoration of soil health.

“NutriSens doesn’t just provide data—it empowers the farmer,” said Dr. Patkar. “It’s about putting technology directly into their hands.”

• Collect a small soil sample (no need for half a kilo)
• Insert it into the NutriSens sensor
• Connect via a mobile app
• Get results in minutes—complete with fertiliser recommendations

The device has already been piloted in several states across India, receiving praise from agricultural extension workers and smallholder farmers alike. Early adopters report improved crop yield, reduced chemical usage, and greater confidence in managing their land.

At a time when climate change, rising input costs, and degraded soils threaten India’s agricultural future, NutriSens arrives as a timely and scalable solution. With proper adoption, it could help usher in a new era of precision farming, especially for small and marginal farmers who make up the backbone of India’s food system.

In the race to revive soil health, this pocket-sized innovation might just hold the key to a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.