The National Productivity Council (NPC) reports that the Soil Health Card scheme has contributed to a significant 8-10% decrease in the use of chemical fertilisers and improved productivity by approximately 5-6%. With the issuance of Soil Health Cards, farmers now have the means to grasp the health parameters of their soil and subsequently enhance productivity through careful application of soil nutrients.
Phases and Distribution of the Soil Health Card Scheme
The scheme was first rolled out in Phase-I from 2015 to 2017 during which 10.74 crore cards were distributed to farmers. The subsequent Phase-II from 2017 to 2019 saw an increase in card distribution with 11.69 crore cards disseminated.
Development of Model Villages: A Pilot Project
In addition to the Soil Health Card scheme, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare initiated a pilot project known as ‘Development of Model Villages’ in the financial year 2019-20. This project involves selecting a model village for aggregation of soil samples and analysis of each agricultural holding. Unlike the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) launched in October 2014 aimed at socio-economic and physical infrastructure development of villages, this project focusses on promoting soil sample collection and testing based on farm holdings with active participation from farmers.
Employment Opportunities for Agrarian Youth
Parallel initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme and other projects, for instance, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, have created jobs for agrarian youth. These projects empower the village youth and farmers up to the age of 40 to set up Soil Health Laboratories and carry out testing. The cost of establishing these laboratories is proposed to be covered 75% by the Central and State Governments. The same financial provision is extended to Self Help Groups, Farmers’ Cooperative Societies, Farmers Groups and Agricultural Producing Organizations.
About the Soil Health Card Scheme
The scheme was first introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on December 5, 2015. The Soil Health Card (SHC) is essentially a printed report detailing the nutrient status of soil with respect to 12 nutrients: pH levels, 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. The aim is to provide all farmers in the country an SHC at an interval of three years. This enables them to apply recommended doses of nutrients based on soil test values resulting in improved and sustainable soil health and fertility, reduced costs and higher profits.
About the National Productivity Council
Established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India in 1958, the National Productivity Council is a national-level organization focused on promoting productivity culture in India. Functioning as an autonomous, multipartite, non-profit organization, it plays a critical role in monitoring initiatives like the Soil Health Card scheme.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024