The Soil Health Card Scheme (SHCS), launched in 2015, is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing soil health and boosting farm productivity in India. Recognizing soil as a vital living resource, this scheme brings science-backed knowledge to farmers’ doorsteps by providing them with customized nutrient management strategies based on their soil’s unique characteristics.
Understanding Soil Health Cards
- Soil Testing: Farmers’ fields are sampled, and their soil is analyzed in sophisticated laboratories across the country.
- Parameters Assessed: Soil samples are tested for macro-nutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (S, Ca, Mg), micro-nutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B), and other properties like pH, EC, and organic carbon.
- Customized Recommendations: Based on the analysis, Soil Health Cards provide fertilizer recommendations tailored to specific crops and the soil conditions of the farmer’s field.
Benefits of the Soil Health Card Scheme
- Balanced Fertilization: Promotes the judicious and optimal use of fertilizers, preventing overuse and reducing costs.
- Improved Soil Health: Tailored recommendations help restore the balance of essential nutrients in the soil, leading to long-term soil health and sustainability.
- Higher Productivity: Optimized soil nutrition contributes to greater yields and improved crop quality.
- Environmental Safeguards: Reduced excessive fertilizer use helps mitigate soil degradation and water pollution.
- Farmer Empowerment: SHCs equip farmers with knowledge of their soil, enabling informed decision-making.
SHCS Implementation Cycle
The Soil Health Card Scheme operates on a 2-year cycle:
- Soil sampling at farmer fields
- Lab analysis
- Generation of SHCs and distribution to farmers
- Implementation of recommendations
FAQs About the Soil Health Card Scheme
- How often does a farmer get a Soil Health Card? SHCs are issued every two years to track changes in soil health over time.
- How can farmers obtain Soil Health Cards? Farmers can contact their local agriculture department or designated soil testing labs.
MCQs
The primary objective of the Soil Health Card Scheme is to:
A. Offer free agricultural inputs
B. Promote export of agricultural products
C. Provide crop insurance
D. Improve soil fertility and farm productivity
Soil Health Cards provide recommendations for:
A. Fertilizer use
B. Irrigation frequency
C. Seed selection
D. Weather forecasting