Under the RKVY Soil Health and Fertility component of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, farmers can obtain a Soil Health Card (SHC) that provides a detailed analysis of their soil’s fertility. The SHC is available for download from the SHC portal or via an SMS link received on the farmer’s mobile. It presents the status of the soil across 12 key parameters—macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S), micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo), and other parameters (pH, EC, OC)—and includes tailored fertilizer recommendations and soil amendment guidelines.
Benefits
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Affordable Soil Testing:
The cost for soil sampling, testing, and SHC generation is Rs 300 per SHC, broken down as follows:-
Rs 40 for soil collection
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Rs 150 for testing (including analysis and chemical costs)
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Rs 110 for awareness activities
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Timely and Accurate Analysis:
Farmers receive prompt and precise soil test results, enabling customized nutrient recommendations. -
Optimized Fertilizer Use:
By following the SHC recommendations, farmers can optimize fertilizer application, minimizing costs and avoiding both under- and over-application. -
Enhanced Nutrient Management:
The scheme promotes soil test-based nutrient management and strengthens the infrastructure of soil testing laboratories and the capacity of district and state staff.
Key Objectives
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Promote soil test-based nutrient management across India.
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Issue Soil Health Cards to all farmers.
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Strengthen soil testing laboratory infrastructure.
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Build capacity of district and state-level staff to support nutrient management practices.
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Standardize soil sampling and analysis to accurately diagnose soil fertility constraints and provide fertilizer recommendations.
Eligibility
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The scheme is applicable to all farmers in India.
Application Process
Offline Process
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Approach the Local Agricultural Officer:
The farmer should visit the District Agriculture Officer or Block Agriculture Officer to initiate the soil testing process. -
Assessment:
The officer will assess whether the applicant’s district or village falls under the State Annual Action Plan for Soil Health Card generation. -
Soil Sample Collection:
An authorized agent will visit the farmer’s field to record necessary details, geo-tag the land using a mobile app, and collect soil samples. -
Testing and Reporting:
The soil samples are tested based on the specified parameters. A Soil Health Report is generated, which includes analysis results, crop suitability recommendations, and fertilizer usage guidelines.
Documents Required
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Note: The required documents can vary by state. Farmers should consult their local agricultural authorities for detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a fee for getting the soil tested?
Yes, the cost is Rs 300 per SHC (Rs 40 for soil collection, Rs 150 for testing, and Rs 110 for awareness). -
Can I get my soil tested for parameters other than those mentioned in the scheme?
The scheme focuses on the 12 standard parameters. For additional tests, consult your local agricultural office. -
How are the recommendations in the SHC arrived at?
Recommendations are based on the analysis of soil samples against standardized parameters and are tailored to the specific soil nutrient status. -
Can any farmer apply for a Soil Health Card?
Yes, the scheme is available to all farmers across India. -
How do I apply for the scheme?
Visit your District or Block Agriculture Officer to start the application process. -
What documents are required for the scheme?
Documents may vary by state; check with your local authorities for the specific requirements.