Soil Health Card Scheme
Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme is a nationwide initiative to promote balanced use of fertilizers and soil-specific nutrient management. It aims to provide each farmer with a Soil Health Card (SHC) once every two years that contains information on the nutrient status of their soil and advice on appropriate dosage of fertilizers and soil amendments.
Ministry
Ministry of Agriculture
Scheme Details
Overview
Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme is a nationwide initiative to promote balanced use of fertilizers and soil-specific nutrient management. It aims to provide each farmer with a Soil Health Card (SHC) once every two years that contains information on the nutrient status of their soil and advice on appropriate dosage of fertilizers and soil amendments.
Benefits
- Farmers receive personalized soil analysis reports for their land.
- Helps improve productivity by guiding on balanced nutrient application.
- Reduces overuse of fertilizers, thereby cutting costs and improving soil health.
- Supports long-term agricultural sustainability by improving soil fertility.
Eligibility Criteria
- All farmers in India, including small, marginal, and tenant farmers.
- Applicable for both rainfed and irrigated landholdings.
- No restriction on land size or income level.
Application Process
Steps to Apply:
- Visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or agriculture department office.
- Submit a soil sample from your farm according to the recommended procedure.
- Soil samples are sent to a registered laboratory for testing.
- A Soil Health Card is generated and delivered within a few weeks.
- You can also check online using your Aadhaar or mobile number.
Application Modes:
- Offline via KVKs, Agriculture Department Offices, or Village-level extension workers.
- Online tracking and info at: https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Land ownership documents or tenancy agreement
- Soil sample submission slip
- Mobile number (for updates and SMS alerts)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Soil Health Card?
The card includes data on 12 soil parameters such as pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, and micro-nutrients along with crop-specific fertilizer recommendations.
Is the soil testing free of cost?
Yes, soil sample collection and testing are provided free or at a very nominal cost under the scheme.
How frequently is a new SHC issued?
A new Soil Health Card is issued every 2 years for each land parcel.
Example Case
Example: Wheat Farmer in Punjab
Baljit Singh, a wheat farmer from Ludhiana, received a Soil Health Card in 2023. It indicated low levels of potassium in his soil. Based on the recommended dose from the SHC, he applied a balanced mix of fertilizers, resulting in a 12% increase in wheat yield and savings of ₹2,000 on unnecessary fertilizer use.
Important Notes
- The scheme is linked with India's Digital India initiative and uses GPS-tagged soil testing labs.
- Over 22 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed as of 2025.
- Mobile apps like 'SHC' are available for farmers to track and access their reports.
Last Updated
Last Updated: 2025-07-27