SOIL HEALTH CARD-AIM & BENEFITS

Introduction

A soil health card (SHC) is printed report shows the status of soil with respect to 12- parameters, namely N,P,K (Macronutrients); S (Secondary- nutrient); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients); and pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (Physical parameters). Accordingly, it also indicates fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for that particular farm. The indicators are typically based on farmers’ practical experience and knowledge of local natural resources.                                             

SHC is a Government of India’s scheme promoted by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It is being implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all the State and Union Territory Governments.

In fact, it is a very beneficial scheme for farmers in India, since most farmers do not know which types of crops they should grow to get maximum yield. Basically, they do not know the quality and the type of their soil and hence unable to improve the condition of soil.

Soil Health Card Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19.02.2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. In the same year international year of soil was celebrated.

Aim of the Scheme

• Tag line of this scheme is “Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa” means Healthy Earth, Green Farm.
  
  
• The objective is to promote soil test and balanced use of fertilizers to enable farmers to realize higher yields at lower cost and to aware growers about the appropriate amount of nutrients for the concerned crop depending on the quality of soil.
  
  
• The government aims to cover all the farmers over the country. All the farmers will be getting soil health report of their particular farm once in every three years. Thus the farmers will know the nutrient status of their farm.
  
  
• And based on the recommendation of fertilizer & amendments application, they will use the optimal quantity of fertilizers to produce optimal yields.

Benefits of SHC Scheme

• Farmers will get a proper soil health record, and they can study the soil management practices. Accordingly, they can plan the future of their crops and land. Ultimately production will be increased that will benefit the farmers.
  
  
• The government authorities will monitor the soil on a regular basis. Once in every 3 years, they will provide a report to farmers. So, farmers will always have updated data about their soil, irrespective of changes in soil over the time due to certain factors.
  
  
• The respective government will also employ experts to help farmers in carrying out the corrective measures regularly.
  
  
• To avoid differences, the government is paying attention that the same person carries out soil analysis for a farmer. This will enhance the effectiveness of the scheme.
  
  
• The health card will provide proper ideas to farmers about deficiency of particular nutrient and its remedy. This will guide to choose proper crop according to nutrient status of soil.
  
  
• Through proper use of fertilizers and soil amendments, farmers can maintain his soil fertility and productivity longer.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

What is soil health card?

It is printed report shows the status of soil with respect to 12- parameters, namely N,P,K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo and pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (Physical parameters). Accordingly, it also indicates fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment required for that particular farm.

Soil Health Card scheme was launched on?

It was launched on 19.02.2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

What is the Tag line of this scheme?

“Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa” means Healthy Earth, Green Farm.

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