Soil Health Card Scheme: Empowering Farmers with Science-Backed Agriculture

By Mr TPM | Updated July 10, 2025

In a bid to boost farm productivity and ensure sustainable agriculture, the Government of India launched the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in 2015. The goal was simple but ambitious — to provide every farmer with a detailed report on the condition of their soil and offer crop-specific recommendations on nutrients and fertilizers.

A decade later, the scheme has impacted millions of farmers across the country, helping them make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary input costs. The SHC scheme is not just a technological intervention — it is a revolution in farm management at the grassroots level.

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

The Soil Health Card Scheme is a flagship program under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare that aims to regularly monitor the health of agricultural soil. Through systematic soil testing, it provides farmers with a personalized report — called a Soil Health Card — every two years.

This card contains essential data about the soil’s nutrient status, including:

• Primary nutrients (N, P, K – Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
• Secondary nutrients (Sulphur)
• Micronutrients (Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron)
• Soil pH, EC (electrical conductivity), and organic carbon content

Based on the analysis, the card also recommends the type and quantity of fertilizers or amendments needed for each crop. This helps in promoting balanced nutrient use, preventing overuse of chemicals, and ensuring long-term soil fertility.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Promote judicious use of fertilizers based on soil test results
• Improve crop productivity through informed nutrient management
• Reduce input costs for farmers by avoiding unnecessary fertilizers
• Encourage sustainable and climate-resilient farming
• Create a comprehensive soil database for India’s agricultural land

Implementation and Reach

Since its launch in February 2015, the scheme has been rolled out in two phases:

• Phase I (2015-17): 10.74 crore Soil Health Cards issued
• Phase II (2017-19): 11.69 crore Soil Health Cards issued

More than 400 soil testing laboratories (both static and mobile) were established or upgraded across the country to facilitate the sampling and testing process.

As of 2025, over 24 crore SHCs have been distributed, with all states and union territories participating in the initiative. States like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have shown significant increases in productivity and cost savings due to efficient implementation.

How Does It Work?

1. Soil Sampling: Samples are collected from farmers’ fields at 2.5-hectare intervals for irrigated and 10-hectare intervals for rainfed areas.
2. Lab Testing: Samples are analyzed in certified soil testing labs.
3. Data Entry: Test results are digitized and uploaded to the SHC online portal.
4. Card Generation: Customized cards with recommendations are printed and distributed to farmers.
5. Advisory Services: Extension officers explain the report to farmers and guide them on adopting the right practices.

Impact on Farmers

The scheme has shown tangible results in various regions. Farmers who followed SHC recommendations have reported:

• 10–25% increase in crop yield
• 15–20% reduction in fertilizer use
• Better soil texture and water retention
• Improvement in farm income and sustainability

Case Study:
Shivram Nayak, a paddy farmer in Odisha, says:
"Earlier, I used more urea than needed. After getting my Soil Health Card, I applied fertilizers as recommended. My yield went up, and I saved money on inputs. My soil is also healthier now."

Integration with Other Schemes

The Soil Health Card Scheme complements several other government initiatives:

• PM-Kisan: Offers financial support for inputs advised in SHC
• e-NAM: Encourages sale of quality produce grown through scientific soil management
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Supports organic farming aligned with SHC goals

Challenges & Way Forward

Despite its success, the scheme faces challenges:

• Limited awareness in remote regions
• Delays in sample collection and card distribution
• Need for trained manpower in rural soil labs

The government is now working to integrate AI and GIS mapping for better soil tracking, introduce mobile soil testing vans, and partner with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for faster on-ground support.

Additionally, digital Soil Health Cards are being linked with farmers’ Aadhaar and land records to streamline service delivery.

Conclusion

The Soil Health Card Scheme has laid the foundation for science-based farming in India. By placing actionable knowledge in the hands of farmers, the scheme is empowering them to not only increase productivity but also protect their most valuable resource — the soil.

In a time when climate change and declining soil fertility are global concerns, India’s Soil Health Card initiative is a model for sustainable agriculture and farmer-centric innovation.