Government to Distribute Soil Health Cards: How to Apply and Benefits

Key Highlights

• 86.65 lakh soil health cards distributed so far.
• 17 permanent and 54 small soil testing labs were established.
• Portal launched for soil testing on May 26, 2022.
• Soil testing includes 12 key nutrient and physical parameters.
• Farmers can apply through District Agriculture Offices or online.

The government is running several schemes to help farmers improve their productivity. One of these is the Soil Health Card Yojana. This scheme helps farmers understand the health of their soil and maintain its fertility by using the right amount of nutrients. Haryana’s Agriculture Minister has announced that all farmers in the state will receive Soil Health Cards under the "Har Khet-Swasth Khet" campaign. Soil samples will be collected from every acre over the next three to four years to achieve this goal.

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86 Lakh Soil Health Cards Distributed

So far, about 70 lakh soil samples have been collected, and health cards have been distributed after analyzing 55 lakh samples. The remaining samples are being processed. In 2022, the department received a gold medal from the Scotch Group for this project. A total of 86.65 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed under the scheme.

New Soil Testing Labs Established

The government has set up 17 new permanent soil and water testing laboratories across Haryana. Additionally, 54 small soil testing labs have been opened in various markets. To involve students, 240 small labs have been established in senior secondary schools and government colleges. Students collect and test soil samples here.

A portal for the "Har Khet-Swasth Khet" campaign was launched on May 26, 2022, for soil testing. Special labs have also been set up in Sirsa and Karnal to monitor pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, soil, and water. In 2023–24, 3,640 samples were analyzed. The state aims to guide farmers in improving their soil health for better crop production.

Also Read: Rs 1624 Crore Transferred to 81 Lakh Farmers Before PM Kisan Yojana

What is a Soil Health Card?

The Soil Health Card Yojana was launched in 2015 by the Central Government. It examines soil quality and identifies nutrient deficiencies. The report assesses 12 parameters, including:

• Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)
• Secondary nutrients: Sulfur (S)
• Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Boron (Bo)
• Physical parameters: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Organic Carbon (OC)

This card provides recommendations on the right amount of fertilizers to use and measures to improve soil health. It helps farmers lower costs and increase crop yields.

Benefits of Soil Health Cards

1. Information on soil nutrient status and pH level.
2. Recommendations for nutrient and fertilizer use for specific crops.
3. Increased crop yields and reduced farming costs by using the right fertilizer quantities.
4. Measures to improve soil quality and remove deficiencies.
5. Prevention of soil infertility by using appropriate nutrients.

How to Apply for a Soil Health Card

Farmers can apply for a Soil Health Card through the District Agriculture Office. Farmers who want soil testing for a card can contact their District or State Nodal Officer. An agent will collect the farmer’s details, and land information, and geo-tag the land via a mobile app. A QR code will be generated with this data, and the soil sample will be tested on 12 parameters at the Soil Testing Laboratory (STL).

The Soil Health Card is then created, providing crop and fertilizer recommendations. Farmers can choose crops based on their soil type and learn the right amount of fertilizer to use for better crop yields. They can also apply online at the official website, soilhealth.dac.gov.in.

Also Read: India’s First Chemical Residue-Free Farming Exhibition to be Held in Pune

CMV360 Says

The Soil Health Card Yojana is essential for improving soil health and boosting crop yields. By using proper fertilizers and understanding soil needs, farmers can reduce costs and enhance productivity. Applying for a Soil Health Card is simple and provides long-term benefits for sustainable farming practices.