A study of over 1.2 lakh soil samples by the Regional Soil Testing Laboratory, Prayagraj, revealed sharp declines in organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels, signaling severe soil degradation. Officials blamed the long-term overuse of chemical fertilizers for reduced fertility and crop yields. Between 2020-21 and 2023-24, yields of major crops like wheat, maize, and paddy fell sharply. In response, the agriculture department is promoting cow-based natural farming, now adopted by over 27,000 farmers across four districts.