Why in the News?

It has been 10 years since the Soil Health Card Scheme was introduced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

The SHC Scheme was launched to analyze soil quality and provide personalized recommendations to farmers for nutrient management and soil fertility improvement.
The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
It has been integrated into Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2022-23 under the Soil Health & Fertility component.

Key Features of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

SHC evaluates 12 parameters, including:
- Macronutrients: N, P, K, S.
- Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B.
- Physical & Chemical Properties: pH, EC, OC.
Samples collected twice a year (post-Rabi and Kharif).
Grid-based sampling: 2.5 ha in irrigated areas, 10 ha in rain-fed areas.
SHC Portal & Mobile App enable online tracking, GPS-tagged samples, and QR-coded test results.
Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs): 665 VLSTLs established across 17 states for local soil testing.
School Soil Health Programme: Implemented in 1020 schools, with 1000 soil testing labs and 125,972 students enrolled.

Successes and Limitations of SHC:

Success:

Crop Yields & Productivity Increased (8-10%) through optimized fertilizer application.
Farmers saved up to ₹5,000 per hectare by using balanced fertilizers.
665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) established, improving soil testing accessibility.
Technological integration (SHC Portal & Mobile App) ensures real-time monitoring.
Encouraged sustainable farming practices, reducing soil degradation and nutrient depletion.

Limitations and Challenges:

Many farmers are unaware of SHC benefits and continue traditional farming methods.
Reports often reach farmers too late for implementation.
Limited soil testing labs and trained staff in remote areas.
Farmers need training to interpret SHC reports and apply recommendations.

PYQ:

[2017] Consider the following statements:

The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at-

1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.

2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.

3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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