10 Years of Soil Health Cards: How India’s Farmers Are Reaping the Benefits
24 February 2025, New Delhi: The Soil Health Card Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19, 2015, in Suratgarh, Rajasthan, marks a decade of revolutionizing Indian agriculture through scientific soil management. The scheme was initiated to provide farmers with detailed insights into their soil’s nutrient status, helping them apply appropriate fertilizers and amendments for improved productivity and sustainability.
The Soil Health Card contains data on 12 crucial soil parameters, including macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur, as well as micronutrients such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron. Additionally, it assesses soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon levels. These parameters guide farmers in making informed decisions regarding fertilizer usage, reducing excessive chemical application and promoting soil fertility.
To standardize and streamline the distribution of Soil Health Cards, the government launched the Soil Health Card Portal, making it accessible across all major Indian languages and five regional dialects. The initiative has also embraced technological advancements, with the introduction of a mobile application in 2023. This app integrates Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, ensuring accurate geo-tagging of soil samples and facilitating real-time monitoring. It enables village-level entrepreneurs and field operators to collect soil samples efficiently, automatically capture latitude and longitude, and generate QR codes linking soil test results directly to the revamped portal.
In a significant expansion, the government introduced Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) in June 2023, allowing individual entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and educational institutions to establish testing facilities. This decentralized approach has led to the establishment of 665 VLSTLs across 17 states, providing farmers with localized soil analysis services. The initiative also includes the School Soil Health Programme, which started as a pilot project in collaboration with the Department of School Education & Literacy, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and state governments. This program educates students about sustainable soil management and encourages them to actively participate in soil testing and farmer awareness campaigns. As of 2024, the initiative has expanded to 1,020 schools, setting up 1,000 soil testing labs and engaging 125,972 students in soil health education.
Recognizing the success of the Soil Health Card Scheme, the government merged it with the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) in 2022-23 under the ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ component. This integration ensures sustained funding and continued implementation of soil health initiatives nationwide.
Over the past ten years, the Soil Health Card Scheme has had a profound impact on Indian agriculture. By promoting balanced nutrient management and reducing the indiscriminate use of fertilizers, the initiative has helped enhance crop yields while preserving soil health. The integration of digital tools, localized soil testing facilities, and educational outreach programs has further strengthened the scheme’s effectiveness. As it moves forward, the Soil Health Card Scheme remains a cornerstone of India’s efforts toward sustainable agricultural development, ensuring long-term soil fertility and food security for future generations.
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