Key Takeaways
- The Soil Health Card Scheme helps Indian farmers manage soil health by providing scientifically based assessments and fertiliser recommendations.
- It addresses issues like nutrient imbalance and overuse of chemicals to promote sustainable agriculture.
- Farmers receive Soil Health Cards every three years, detailing 12 key soil parameters and tailored nutrient guidance.
- Soil Testing Laboratories and the Soil Health Card Portal support the scheme by ensuring accurate testing and access to results.
- Despite its success, challenges include improper sampling, generic recommendations, and limited farmer understanding of soil health reports.
Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. For decades, Indian farmers relied heavily on chemical fertilisers to increase yields, often without understanding what their soil actually needed. This led to declining soil fertility, rising input costs, and long-term damage to farmland. To address this critical issue, the Government of India introduced the Soil Health Card Scheme, a data-driven initiative that helps farmers understand, manage, and improve their soil health scientifically.
In this blog, we have provided all the details about the Soil Health Card Scheme, its objectives, features, working process, achievements, challenges, and the way forward.
What is the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme?
The Soil Health Card Scheme is a central government initiative launched on 19 February 2015 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister at Suratgarh, Rajasthan.
Under this scheme, farmers are provided with a Soil Health Card, which is a printed report that gives detailed information about the nutrient status and physical condition of their soil. Based on scientific soil testing, the card also recommends the right type and quantity of fertilisers and soil amendments needed for better crop productivity.
The core aim of the scheme is to promote balanced fertiliser use, reduce excessive chemical inputs, improve soil fertility, and support sustainable agriculture across India.
Why was the Soil Health Card Scheme introduced?
Indian agriculture has long faced the problem of imbalanced fertiliser use, especially the overuse of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers. While this initially increased yields, it gradually led to nutrient deficiencies, soil degradation, and declining productivity.
- Address nutrient imbalance in agricultural soils
- Reduce the overuse of chemical fertilisers
- Lower farming input costs
- Improve long-term soil fertility
- Support climate-resilient and sustainable farming
By giving farmers scientific information about their soil, the scheme enables informed decision-making instead of guesswork.
What information does a Soil Health Card contain?
A Soil Health Card provides a comprehensive analysis of the soil based on 12 key parameters. These parameters help assess both nutrient availability and soil condition.
| Category | Parameters |
| Macro-nutrients | Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S) |
| Micro-nutrients | Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B) |
| Physical & Chemical Properties | pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC) |
Along with test results, the card provides crop-wise fertiliser recommendations, including guidance on chemical fertilisers, organic manure, bio-fertilisers, and soil amendments.
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How often is the Soil Health Card issued to farmers?
Under the scheme, a Soil Health Card is issued once every three years. This periodic assessment helps farmers track changes in soil health over time and adjust their farming practices accordingly.
The updated card in each cycle reflects improvements or deterioration in soil quality, making it a long-term soil monitoring tool rather than a one-time report.
How does the soil sampling and testing process work?
The Soil Health Card Scheme follows a uniform and scientific soil sampling method across the country to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Soil samples are collected from a depth of 15–20 cm using a V-shaped cut
- Samples are taken from four corners and the centre of the field
- Sampling grid:
- 2.5 hectares for irrigated areas
- 10 hectares for rain-fed areas
- GPS tools and revenue maps are used to ensure accuracy
- Sampling is done after Rabi and Kharif harvest or when no crop is standing
Who collects the samples?
Soil samples under the Soil Health Card Scheme are collected by agriculture department staff, trained personnel, outsourced agencies, and students from agricultural and science colleges. These individuals are trained in standard soil sampling methods to ensure accuracy and uniformity across regions.
They collect samples using scientific procedures, GPS tools, and prescribed grid patterns, helping maintain the quality and reliability of soil test results. Involving multiple stakeholders not only improves coverage and efficiency but also strengthens technical capacity and creates awareness about soil health at the grassroots level.
Quality assurance
- 1% of soil samples are cross-checked in referral laboratories
- The central government provides ₹190 per sample to cover collection, testing, card generation, and distribution costs
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What are the main objectives of the Soil Health Card Scheme?
The Soil Health Card Scheme aims to transform soil management practices across India through the following objectives:
- To provide soil health cards to all farmers at regular intervals
- To identify nutrient deficiencies and soil fertility issues
- To promote soil test-based nutrient management
- To improve nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity
- To strengthen soil testing laboratories across states
- To train officers and progressive farmers at the grassroots level
- To support balanced and integrated nutrient management
How does the Soil Health Card Scheme benefit farmers?
The scheme provides multiple direct and indirect benefits to farmers.
- Improved soil fertility through scientific nutrient management
- Higher crop yields due to balanced fertiliser use
- Reduced input costs by avoiding excess fertilisers
- Crop-wise guidance based on soil type
- Better planning of cropping patterns
- Reduced environmental damage from chemical overuse
- Long-term sustainability of farmland
Studies and field demonstrations have shown that farmers using SHC recommendations reduced excessive NPK use and increased micronutrient application, leading to better soil health and productivity.
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What is the Soil Health Card Portal?
The Soil Health Card Portal is a digital platform developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- Generates Soil Health Cards in a uniform format
- Available in 22 languages and 5 dialects
- Allows sample registration and tracking
- Stores soil test results centrally
- Provides fertiliser recommendations
- Enables farmers to download and print cards
Farmers can access the portal through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or government offices.
What role do Soil Testing Laboratories play in the scheme?
Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) form the backbone of the Soil Health Card Scheme. The status of soil testing infrastructure (as of February 2025) are as follows:
| Type of Lab | Number |
| Static Labs | 1,068 |
| Mobile Labs | 163 |
| Mini Labs | 6,376 |
| Village-Level Labs | 665 |
| Total | 8,272 |
What are village level soil testing laboratories (VLSTLs)?
To strengthen last-mile soil testing access, the government introduced Village Level Soil Testing Laboratories (VLSTLs) in June 2023. These laboratories can be set up by rural youth aged 18 to 27 years, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), as well as schools and agricultural universities, with applications approved by the District Level Executive Committee.
As of February 2025, a total of 665 VLSTLs have been established across 17 states, contributing to rural employment generation while significantly improving farmers’ access to timely and local soil testing services.
What is the school soil health programme?
The School Soil Health Programme is an innovative initiative to spread soil health awareness among students and rural communities.
- Started as a pilot in 20 rural schools
- Expanded to 1,021 schools by July 2025
- 1,000 soil testing labs set up in schools
- Over 1.32 lakh students enrolled
- Students collect soil samples, conduct tests, and generate SHCs
- Students educate farmers on fertiliser use and crop selection
What technological advancements have been introduced under the SHC Scheme?
The Soil Health Card Scheme underwent major digital upgrades in April 2023.
- GIS-enabled portal for mapping soil test results
- SHC Mobile App for sample collection
- Geo-tagging using latitude and longitude
- QR code for each soil sample
- Restricted sampling area for operators
- Automatic upload of test results from labs
- Transparent and tamper-proof system
How has the Soil Health Card Scheme performed over the years?
The details of the major achievements (as of February–July 2025) are as follows:
- Over 25 crore Soil Health Cards distributed
- ₹1706.18 crore released to states and UTs
- Soil mapping completed on 290 lakh hectares
- 1,987 village-level soil fertility maps prepared
- Coverage expanded from 16 lakh cards (2020–21) to 53 lakh cards (2024–25)
The scheme has completed 10 years of implementation, making it one of India’s most impactful agricultural reforms.
What are the major challenges of the Soil Health Card Scheme?
Despite its success, the scheme faces several challenges.
- Improper soil sample collection in some areas
- Generic recommendations instead of field-specific advice
- Limited farmer understanding of reports
- Inadequate inclusion of physical and biological indicators
- Lack of soil texture, moisture, and microbial data
- Insufficient infrastructure in remote areas
- Limited availability of recommended fertilisers
Why is the Soil Health Card Scheme important for sustainable agriculture?
The Soil Health Card Scheme shifts Indian agriculture from input-heavy farming to knowledge-based farming. By empowering farmers with scientific data, it promotes efficient resource use, protects soil health, and supports long-term productivity.
The scheme aligns with India’s goals of climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development.
Questions based on SHC scheme
Q1. When was the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme officially launched in India?
A. 5 December 2014
B. 19 February 2015
C. 1 April 2015
D. 2 October 2015
E. 26 January 2016
Correct Answer: B. 19 February 2015
Explanation: The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched on 19 February 2015 by the Prime Minister at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. The year 2015 was also observed as the International Year of Soils, which added global relevance to the launch.
Q2. Which ministry is responsible for implementing the Soil Health Card Scheme?
A. Ministry of Rural Development
B. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
C. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
D. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
E. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
Explanation: The Soil Health Card Scheme is implemented by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with execution carried out through State and Union Territory agriculture departments.
Q3. How many soil parameters are tested under the Soil Health Card Scheme?
A. 8
B. 10
C. 11
D. 12
E. 15
Correct Answer: D. 12
Explanation: The Soil Health Card tests 12 parameters, which include macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients, and physical-chemical indicators such as pH, EC, and Organic Carbon.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a macro-nutrient tested under the Soil Health Card Scheme?
A. Nitrogen
B. Phosphorus
C. Potassium
D. Sulphur
E. Zinc
Correct Answer: E. Zinc
Explanation:
- Macro-nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S)
- Micro-nutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B)
Hence, Zinc is a micro-nutrient, not a macro-nutrient.
Q5. What is the frequency of issuing a Soil Health Card to farmers?
A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
E. Only once
Correct Answer: C. Every three years
Explanation: A Soil Health Card is issued once every three years. This allows comparison across cycles to track changes in soil fertility and nutrient status over time.
Q6. In irrigated areas, soil samples are collected in a grid of how much area?
A. 1 hectare
B. 2 hectares
C. 2.5 hectares
D. 5 hectares
E. 10 hectares
Correct Answer: C. 2.5 hectares
Explanation: Soil sampling norms under the scheme specify:
- 2.5 hectares for irrigated areas
- 10 hectares for rain-fed areas
This ensures uniform and scientific sampling across regions.
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Q7. Which organisation developed the Soil Health Card Portal?
A. ICAR
B. NABARD
C. Ministry of Electronics and IT
D. National Informatics Centre (NIC)
E. State Agricultural Universities
Correct Answer: D. National Informatics Centre (NIC)
Explanation: The Soil Health Card Portal is a web-based workflow application designed and developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to digitise soil testing and card generation.
Q8. Under which scheme was the Soil Health Card Scheme merged from 2022–23?
A. PM-KISAN
B. National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
C. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
D. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
E. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
Correct Answer: C. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
Explanation: From 2022–23, the Soil Health Card Scheme was merged under the RKVY Cafeteria Scheme as a component named “Soil Health & Fertility”.
Q9. As of February 2025, how many Soil Testing Laboratories were operational across India?
A. 5,200
B. 6,800
C. 7,450
D. 8,272
E. 9,100
Correct Answer: D. 8,272
Explanation: As of February 2025, 8,272 Soil Testing Laboratories were operational, including static labs, mobile labs, mini labs, and village-level labs.
Q10. What is the main objective of the School Soil Health Programme?
A. To replace conventional soil testing labs
B. To provide free fertilisers to farmers
C. To create awareness about soil health among students and farmers
D. To train government officers only
E. To promote organic certification
Correct Answer: C. To create awareness about soil health among students and farmers
Explanation: The School Soil Health Programme aims to educate students about soil health and sustainable agriculture. Students actively collect soil samples, test them, generate Soil Health Cards, and help farmers understand fertiliser recommendations.
FAQs
It is a government scheme that provides farmers with a report on soil nutrient status and fertiliser recommendations.
The scheme was launched on 19 February 2015.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
The Soil Health Card tests 12 soil parameters, including nutrients and soil properties.
Soil samples are collected by agriculture department staff, trained personnel, outsourced agencies, and agriculture students.
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