Decade of Soil Health Cards

 

 The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched on February 19, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, aims to provide farmers with scientific soil management practices to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. 

Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme

• Soil Health Card: The card provides detailed information on the nutrient status of the soil based on 12 parameters, including macro-nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur), micro-nutrients (Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron), and physical/chemical properties (pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon). It also includes recommendations for fertilizer use and soil amendments.
• Soil Health Card Portal: The portal allows for the generation of Soil Health Cards in a uniform and standardized format across the country, available in multiple major languages and dialects.
• Sampling Frequency: Soil samples are generally collected twice a year, after the harvesting of Rabi and Kharif crops or when there is no standing crop in the field.

Technological Advancements

• SHC Mobile App: In 2023, the Government of India introduced a mobile application integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS). This app allows for:
• Restricting the sample collection region for Village Level Entrepreneurs/Operators.
• Automatically selecting the latitude and longitude of the sampling location.
• Generating a QR code to link samples and test results directly on the portal from geo-mapped labs without manual intervention.
• Digital Workflow: The Soil Health Card portal, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), digitizes the process, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.

Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs)

• Guidelines: Issued in June 2023, VLSTLs can be established by rural youth, community-based entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), schools, and agricultural universities.
• Implementation: As of February 2025, 665 VLSTLs have been established across 17 states, improving soil testing facilities in remote areas.

School Soil Health Programme

• Pilot Project: A collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of School Education & Literacy (DSE&L), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and state governments, this program aims to raise awareness about soil health among students for sustainable agriculture practices.
• Implementation: Initially launched in 20 schools (10 Kendriya Vidyalaya and 10 Navodaya Vidyalaya), the program has expanded to 1,020 schools with 1,000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled as of 2024.

Integration with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• Soil Health & Fertility Component: Since 2022-23, the Soil Health Card scheme has been integrated into the RKVY under the 'Soil Health & Fertility' component.

Impact and Future Prospects

• Agricultural Productivity: The scheme has significantly improved agricultural productivity by providing farmers with precise information on soil health and fertilizer use, promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Awareness and Education: Initiatives like the School Soil Health Programme have expanded awareness of soil health among students and local communities.
• Technological Integration: The robust mobile app and GIS integration have enhanced the accessibility, efficiency, and transparency of the Soil Health Card scheme, ensuring its continued role in fostering sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding India’s soil health for future generations.