About the Soil Health Card Scheme

Launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 19, 2015, in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, the **Soil Health Card Scheme** aims to assist State Governments in issuing Soil Health Cards to all farmers across the country. The scheme is crucial for promoting sustainable farming practices and improving crop productivity through the judicious use of inputs.

Since 2022-23, the SHC scheme has been integrated into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as a component named 'Soil Health & Fertility', emphasizing its continued importance in agricultural development.

Key Features and Benefits of Soil Health Card

Empowering Farmers with Scientific Soil Management

• Comprehensive Soil Analysis: Each Soil Health Card provides the status of the soil with respect to 12 parameters:
  • Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S)
  • Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo)
  • Physical Parameters: pH (Acidity or Basicity), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC)
• Crop-wise Recommendations: The card offers crop-wise recommendations on the appropriate dosage of nutrients and fertilizers required for individual farms, based on the soil analysis. This helps farmers optimize fertilizer use and reduce costs.
• Improved Soil Fertility: By identifying nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, the scheme helps farmers implement corrective measures, leading to improved soil fertility and overall soil health.
• Increased Crop Yields: Judicious and balanced use of fertilizers, as per recommendations, contributes to higher crop yields and better farm profits.
• Sustainable Farming: Promotes sustainable agricultural practices, including the balanced use of nutrients and organic farming methods, to prevent soil degradation and maintain long-term soil health.
• Regular Monitoring: Soil samples are typically collected and tested every three years, ensuring farmers receive updated information about their soil's condition.
• Expert Assistance: Government employs experts to assist farmers in understanding the card's recommendations and implementing corrective measures.
• Accessibility: Soil Health Cards are generated in uniform and standardized formats across the country in various major languages and dialects. A robust mobile application further enhances accessibility and transparency.

Eligibility Criteria for Soil Health Card Scheme

Open to All Farmers

There are no specific stringent eligibility criteria for the Soil Health Card Scheme. Essentially, **all farmers across the country** who own cultivable land are eligible to register and take advantage of this initiative. This includes both land-owning farmers and tenant farmers, provided they can document their ownership or lease agreement for agricultural land.

The scheme aims to be inclusive, supporting both small and large-scale farmers in optimizing their soil health and crop productivity.

How to Get a Soil Health Card

Simple Steps to Obtain Your Soil Health Card

The process of obtaining a Soil Health Card involves soil sample collection, testing, and card generation:

1. Soil Sample Collection:
   • Soil samples are collected from farmers' fields by trained personnel, often Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) or staff from the Department of Agriculture.
   • Samples are typically taken twice a year, after the harvesting of Rabi and Kharif crops, or when there is no standing crop in the field.
   • The collection process is geotagged and often managed through a mobile application for accuracy and transparency.
2. Soil Testing:
   • The collected soil samples are sent to various Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) across the country.
   • These labs analyze the soil for the 12 specified parameters (N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo, pH, EC, OC).
   • Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) can also be set up by individual entrepreneurs, SHGs, FPOs, etc., to facilitate local testing.
3. Analysis and Recommendation:
   • Experts at the labs analyze the test results to identify nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.
   • Based on the analysis, crop-wise recommendations for nutrient application and fertilizer dosages are formulated. Corrective measures for issues like soil acidity or alkalinity are also suggested.
4. Card Generation and Distribution:
   • The Soil Health Card is generated through the Soil Health Card Portal (soilhealth.dac.gov.in) in a uniform and standardized format, often in local languages.
   • Farmers can download their SHC from the portal or receive it via an SMS link on their mobile phones.
   • The cards are distributed to farmers, typically once every three years, to provide updated soil information.

Farmers can track the status of their soil samples and cards through the official portal or the mobile application.

Important Contacts and Resources

Support and Official Information

• Official Soil Health Card Portal: soilhealth.dac.gov.in - This is the primary portal for scheme details, card generation, and status tracking.
• Helpline Numbers:
  • 011-2430 5591 (Customer Helpdesk)
  • 011-2430 5948 (Alternate Helpdesk Number)
• Email (Helpdesk): helpdesk-soil@gov.in
• Mobile App: The "Soil Health Card" app is available on Google Play Store for sample collection, farmer registration, and status tracking.
• Locate Soil Testing Laboratory: The official portal also provides a tool to locate nearby soil testing laboratories.

The Soil Health Card Scheme is a testament to India's commitment to sustainable agriculture, providing farmers with the knowledge and tools to enhance soil fertility and ensure long-term productivity.