Soil Health Card Yojana: What Is It?

The Soil Health Card (SHC) is a government initiative in India, promoted by the Department of Agriculture and Co-operation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It provides farmers with information on their soil’s nutrient status and recommends appropriate nutrient dosages for improving productivity and health. The SHC is a printed report given to farmers after an assessment of their holding(s) based on 12 parameters.

The SHC scheme has been merged into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) cafeteria scheme as part of its component, ‘Soil Health and Fertility’. The SHC provides two sets of fertilizer recommendations for six crops, including pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC). The government plans to issue soil cards to farmers, carrying crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required for individual farms.

The SHC helps farmers determine the soil quality of their holding and advise them on the appropriate dosage of fertilizers and soil amendments. The government gives a soil health card to each farmer for each of their holdings, providing a comprehensive view of the soil’s nutrient status.

In conclusion, the Soil Health Card (SHC) is an innovative program aimed at making Indian agriculture more efficient by focusing on soil health. By providing farmers with accurate information on their soil’s nutrient status and recommending appropriate fertilizer dosages, the SHC helps ensure the health and productivity of their agricultural produce.

How do you check soil health?

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a Soil Health Card (SHC) that can be downloaded from the SHC portal or sent via SMS. The card provides farmers with information on their soil’s status in 12 parameters, including macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S), micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo), pH, EC, and OC. The SHC also indicates fertilizer recommendations and soil amendments needed for the farm. The aim is to promote soil test-based nutrient management and issue soil health cards to all farmers across the country.

What are the benefits of soil health?

Healthy soil is essential for creating plants that are less vulnerable to pests and diseases, capturing, filtering, and infiltrating stormwater, suppressing weeds, and capturing and storing carbon. It also supports a robust ecosystem in neighborhoods by providing a welcoming buffet for caterpillars and other insects, which in turn draw in birds and other wildlife. The soil’s web of life is foundational for the rest of the ecosystem, and healthy soil allows plants to flourish.

By planting native flowers, grasses, and trees in your yard, you are supporting a dazzling array of life. The benefits of healthy soil extend beyond plant growth, as it also supports a whole web of life that is foundational for the rest of the ecosystem.

What is the soil health program in India?

The government has allocated ₹ 568 crore (US$68 million) to promote soil test-based and balanced use of fertilisers, aiming to enable farmers to achieve higher yields at lower costs. The scheme covers 12 parameters and covers 12 parameters. In the 2016 Union budget, ₹ 100 crore (US$12 million) was allocated to states for making soil health cards and setting up labs. As of July 2015, only 34 lakh Soil Health Cards (SHC) were issued to farmers, with states like Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal not issuing any SHCs.

However, the number grew to 1. 12 crore by February 2016, with states reporting a collection of 81 lakh soil samples and testing 52 lakh samples. As of May 16, 2017, 725 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers.

What is the soil health card in Nepal?

The government is preparing to issue soil health cards to farmers in Kathmandu, India, to test the soil’s quality, identify crops that can yield maximum yields in specific soil conditions, and recommend appropriate fertilisers for different soil types. The cards will be issued annually, and farmers will be advised on the types of crops that can be grown on their farmlands and the appropriate amount of chemical fertilisers to improve productivity. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Chakra Pani Khanal, stated that farmers will be given advice on the best crops to grow on their farmlands.

How to get soil tested in India?

KRIBHCO provides farmers with free Soil Health Cards through soil testing, including pH and EC, at its Krishi Pramarsh Kendra in Noida. The modern lab can test 5000 samples per annum, and results and recommendations are sent to farmers via email and regularly uploaded on the KRIBHCO website. The Soil Health Cards, which include pH and EC values, are sent to farmers through field officers and farmers, benefiting them by using balanced fertilizers in crops. KRIBHCO has tested 5. 40 Lakh soil samples from 16 states up to March 2024.

How many soil health cards are there in India?

The Indian government has implemented Soil Health Management and Soil Health Card Schemes since 2014-15, providing farmers with information on their soil’s nutrient status and recommending appropriate nutrient dosages for improved soil health and productivity. With 23. 58 crore soil health cards distributed, these schemes have been merged into the Soil Health and Fertility component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).

Guidelines for implementing activities have been issued to farmers, and trainings and demonstrations are conducted to raise awareness about the judicious use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers.

Since 2014-15, 8272 Soil Testing Labs have been established across the country, with 1068 static, 163 mobile, 6376 mini, and 665 village level labs. State-wise details of these labs are provided below.

How can I get government health card in India?

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is a health insurance scheme launched by the Prime Minister in September 2018, covering about fifty crore Indian citizens. The scheme aims to provide healthcare facilities to the economically weaker sections of society. To register for the PMJAY card, individuals must visit an empanelled hospital or Ayushman Mitra and provide identification documents, such as their Aadhaar card.

The scheme has already seen success stories, with senior citizens above 70 years of age, regardless of their socio-economic background, eligible for a Rs. 5 lakh health insurance coverage per year. The PMJAY card offers various benefits, coverage, eligibility, exclusions, and more.

What are the 5 main functions of soil?

Soil plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem, serving as a medium for plant growth, regulating water supplies, recycling raw materials, providing habitat for soil organisms, and serving as a landscaping and engineering medium. It acts as an anchor for plant roots and a water holding tank for moisture. Soil properties, such as texture, aggregate size, porosity, aeration, and water holding capacity, affect plant growth.

What is the soil status of Nepal?

Over 90% of soil samples in regional agricultural centers of Nepal have low to medium levels of carbon content and total nitrogen. Acidic soil was found in 55 samples, and most have low exchangeable potassium levels. Soil pollution status and remediation in Nepal are discussed in studies by Addis, Abebaw, and Anup KC. Soil fertility in a community forest of Nepal is also analyzed. The study highlights the need for effective soil remediation strategies to improve soil quality and productivity.

Can I test my soil myself?

Home soil pH tester kits come with vials, tablets, and a chart for testing soil pH and nutrients. To prepare a soil sample for analysis, use a garden trowel and a clean plastic bucket. Clean the tools, dig five holes 6-8 inches deep in the planting area, slice a 1/2-inch slice along the side of each hole, and place it in the bucket. Collect samples from different areas with similar plants, mix the soil in the bucket, and dry it on a newspaper. Finally, collect a pint for your sample. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for accurate results.

How much does soil testing cost in India?

The cost of soil testing in India ranges from INR 200 to INR 1, 000 per sample, with the potential for increased expenditure for specialized tests or comprehensive analysis.