INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
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Biochar and Soil Health Card Scheme and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Flash Floods, Soil Health Card’ scheme, illegal migrants important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 16, 2025 |
For Preliminary Examination: Soil health, Soil health caed scheme
For Mains Examination: GS II & III - Governance & Environment and ecology
Context:
As of 2025, significant progress has been made with the distribution of more than 25 crore soil health cards, establishment of thousands of soil testing laboratories, large-scale soil mapping, and preparation of fertility maps across States and UTs. These measures are expected to improve crop yield, reduce input costs, and promote balanced use of fertilizers, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and doubling farmers’ income.
Read about:
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs)
Key takeaways:
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
A Soil Health Card is a scientific report provided to farmers for each of their land holdings. It evaluates the soil by analyzing 12 key parameters –
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Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur
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Micro-nutrients: Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron
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Soil properties: pH (acidity/alkalinity), Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Organic Carbon (OC).
By issuing these cards, the scheme helps farmers understand the nutrient status of their soil and provides tailored recommendations on fertilizer use, organic manures, and soil amendments. The card is renewed in cycles (once every 2–3 years) so that farmers can track changes in soil health over time and adopt corrective measures
Objectives of the Scheme
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To provide every farmer with a Soil Health Card at regular intervals (ideally every 2 years), helping them identify nutrient deficiencies and optimize fertilizer use.
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To strengthen Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) through capacity building, student engagement, and collaboration with institutions such as ICAR and State Agricultural Universities.
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To promote standardized soil sampling across states and enable block- or taluka-level fertilizer recommendations.
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To encourage balanced and integrated nutrient management practices based on soil test results, improving nutrient use efficiency in crops.
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To provide financial and technical support to farmers for addressing soil fertility gaps.
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To build awareness by training agricultural officers and progressive farmers in proper nutrient application methods.