Introduction to the Soil Health Card Scheme:

      • The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 19, 2015, in Suratgarh, Rajasthan.
      • The scheme was created to help farmers by providing them with information about their soil's nutrient status, alongside recommendations for improving soil health and fertility.
      • The Soil Health Card gives data on 12 key parameters, including macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S), micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo), and soil pH, EC, OC.
    • This helps farmers apply the right amount of nutrients, improving soil health and crop yields

TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES & PORTAL

  • The Soil Health Card Portal was created for easy access, offering soil health information in multiple languages and dialects.
  • Soil samples are typically taken twice a year, after Rabi and Kharif crops are harvested, or when no crop is standing.
  • The SHC Mobile App, introduced in 2023, enables geo-mapping, easy access to soil test results, and the generation of a QR code to directly link results to the portal.

VILLAGE LEVEL SOIL TESTING LABS

Celebrating A Decade of Soil Health Cards explained for UPSC
  • In June 2023, guidelines for setting up VLSTLs were issued.
  • These labs can be established by rural youth, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), or Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs).
  • By February 2025, 665 VLSTLs were set up in 17 states, increasing local testing capacity and empowering rural entrepreneurs.

SCHOOL SOIL HEALTH PROGRAM

  • A pilot project, launched in collaboration with ICAR, School Education Department, and State Governments, aimed to educate students on soil health for sustainable agriculture.
  • As of 2024, 1020 schools are running the program, with 1000 soil testing labs set up and over 125,000 students
  • Students collect soil samples, conduct tests, and educate local farmers on the recommendations from the Soil Health Cards.

Integration with Other Schemes:

  • From 2022-23, the Soil Health Card Scheme became part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) under the component Soil Health & Fertility, further integrating soil health efforts with broader agricultural policies.

Impact of Technological Advancements:

  • The revamped Soil Health Card portal, integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS), offers graphical data and maps for better monitoring and implementation.
  • The mobile app allows farmers to easily access their soil health data and manage their farming practices more efficiently.
  • The app restricts sample collection regions and auto-links test results.