National Mission on Soil Health & Fertility Marks Milestone with 'Soil Health Card' Scheme for Farmers

In a bid to revolutionize agriculture and enhance the productivity of India's farmlands, the Government of India has been diligently implementing the Soil Health Management and Soil Health Card Schemes under the National Project on Soil Health & Fertility, a part of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture since the fiscal year 2014-15.

The Soil Health Card is a key component of these initiatives, providing invaluable information to farmers regarding the nutrient status of their soil. More than a tool for assessment, the card offers recommendations on the appropriate dosage of nutrients to be applied, aiming to improve soil health and boost overall productivity. As of now, a staggering 23.58 crore soil health cards have been distributed to farmers across the nation.

In a recent development, these schemes have been amalgamated as the Soil Health and fertility component of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). This strategic integration streamlines efforts and resources toward achieving a common goal—sustainable and productive agriculture.

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Guidelines for the implementation of various activities under this initiative have been consistently issued to farmers, emphasizing the importance of soil health. The Soil Health Card recommendations serve as a foundation for extensive training and demonstrations conducted to create awareness among farmers. These sessions focus on promoting the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, secondary and micronutrients, in conjunction with organic manures and bio-fertilizers.

Remarkably, the efforts extend beyond education to practical demonstrations, with 93,781 farmer training sessions, 6.45 lakh demonstrations, and 7,425 farmer melas/campaigns on soil health card recommendations organized across the country.

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An integral part of this initiative is the establishment of Soil Testing Labs. Since 2014-15, a total of 8,272 labs have been set up, comprising Static Soil Testing Labs, Mobile Soil Testing Labs, Mini Soil Testing Labs, and Village Level Soil Testing Labs. These labs play a crucial role in providing accurate and timely soil analysis, forming the backbone of informed decision-making for farmers.

While no financial assistance is provided for hiring manpower, the Government of India has released a total of Rs. 229.95 crore to States/Union Territories for Soil Testing Labs under the scheme, with Rs. 83.31 crore disbursed in the past five years.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Arjun Munda, underscores the government's commitment to transforming agricultural practices, ensuring sustainable farming, and empowering farmers with the knowledge and tools needed for success in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

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