SOIL HEALTH CARDS SCHEME

1. Context

Recently, The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, conveyed the developments in the Soil Health Cards Scheme information through a written response in the Rajya Sabha.

2. About the Soil Health Cards Scheme

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare introduced the scheme on December 5, 2015.
• Soil Health Card (SHC) is a printed report which contains nutrient status of soil concerning 12 nutrients: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S), Zinc (Zn), Boron (B), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) of farm holdings.
• SHC is provided to all farmers in the country at an interval of 3 years to enable the farmers to apply recommended doses of nutrients based on soil test values to realize improved and sustainable soil health and fertility, low costs and higher profits. Farmers can track their soil samples and also obtain their Soil Health Card report.
• It is a field-specific detailed report of soil fertility status and other important soil parameters that affect crop productivity.

3. The Essence of Soil Health Cards

• At its core, the Soil Health Card serves as a potent tool, equipping farmers with invaluable insights into their soil's nutrient composition.
• More than a simple report, it offers bespoke recommendations, guiding farmers toward optimal nutrient application to enhance soil health and fertility.

4. Technological Advancements

• The once-familiar Soil Health Card portal underwent a comprehensive rejuvenation, converging with a cutting-edge Geographic Information System (GIS).
• This fusion empowers a comprehensive visualization, effectively capturing and displaying test results on a geographical canvas.

5. Revamped Mobile Application

• To streamline implementation and ensure unfettered access to soil health information, the mobile application underwent a substantial upgrade.
• Enhanced functionalities include region restrictions for Village Level Entrepreneurs/ Operators conducting soil sample collection, automated latitude and longitude selection, and the ingenious generation of QR codes.
• This linkage seamlessly bridges sample data with test results, a process executed without manual intervention.

6. Rollout and Implementation

• In April 2023 the revamped system was unveiled. A revolutionary shift transpired as samples were collected through a user-friendly mobile application.
• The resultant Soil Health Cards are now generated within the refurbished portal.
• To facilitate this transition, an impressive tally of 56 training sessions were diligently conducted, catering to various states.

7. Soil Health Card and RKVY

• The Soil Health Card scheme has woven its essence into the fabric of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), confluence under the banner of 'Soil Health & Fertility' since the fiscal year 2022-23.
• This synergistic approach envisions a holistic agricultural transformation.

8. Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs)

• A remarkable stride was taken with the issuance of guidelines for Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) on June 22, 2023.
• These labs can be envisioned by dynamic individuals such as rural youth or collective entities like Self Help Groups (SHGs), Schools, and Agriculture Universities.

9. Nurturing Village-Level Entrepreneurs

• Eligibility criteria for VLSTLs carve a path for aspiring young minds, with beneficiaries or village-level entrepreneurs falling within the age bracket of 18 to 27 years.
• Self Help Groups and Farmer's Producers Organisations (FPO) seamlessly integrate into this narrative, with their eligibility overseen by the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC).

10. Application Process and Training

• Initiating the journey involves applying for essential documents like qualification certificates, PAN Cards, and Aadhar Cards to the office of the Deputy Director/District Agriculture Officer.
• The training realm is further navigated as manufacturers and state governments orchestrate comprehensive guidance sessions on soil sampling, testing, and the meticulous generation of soil health cards.

11.  Detailed Soil Mapping

• The landscape unravels further as Detailed Soil Mapping unfurls at a 1:10000 scale, orchestrated through a fusion of high-resolution satellite data and ground surveys.
• Prioritized areas undergo meticulous scrutiny by the Soil & Land Use Survey of India, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• This bountiful repository of Soil Resource Information, presented in digital format, stands distinct from the SHC endeavour.

12. The Way Forward

• The metamorphosis of the Soil Health Card Scheme signifies a resolute stride toward nurturing India's agricultural growth.
• Infusing technology with traditional wisdom, this narrative exemplifies the nation's steadfast commitment to fostering a resilient and sustainable farming ecosystem.