The Soil Health Card Scheme: Benefits and Application Process

The Central Government of India has initiated several schemes with the aim of increasing farmers' income. One such scheme is the Soil Health Card Scheme, launched with the theme "Swasth Dharaa. Khet Haraa". Under this scheme, farmers will be provided with a Soil Health Card, to assess the health of their soil. To obtain a Soil Health Card, you will need to have your land's quality checked once every three years. After the assessment, you will be given a report card, which will help you in making your soil more fertile for cultivation.

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

• Under the Soil Health Card Scheme, farmers will be provided with a Soil Health Card, which provides information about the health of their soil. This enables farmers to gain insights into the soil of their fields. Farmers will also receive information about crops suitable for cultivation based on their soil.
• Under this scheme, farmers will be provided with a Soil Health Card every 3 years, allowing them to assess the quality of their fields.

Terms & Conditions of the Scheme

• All farmers in India can avail this scheme.
• Soil samples will be collected by the agency and tested in accredited laboratories.
• Farmers themselves will be responsible for implementing the recommendations given in the Soil Health Card.
• This scheme is voluntary which means farmers can choose to 'opt-out' at any time.
• The Government of India can make changes or amendments to this scheme at any time.
• The Government is not responsible for any loss or damage suffered by the farmer as a result of implementing the recommendations provided in the Soil Health Card.

What are the benefits of the Soil Health Card Scheme?

• Soil testing will be conducted under this scheme.
• Farmers will also be given information about the crops to be cultivated according to their soil type and conditions.
• Under this scheme, soil health cards will be provided to farmers every 3 years, through which they will be able to assess and understand the saline, alkaline, and acidic elements present in the soil along with nutrients, pH level, moisture content, etc.
• Farmers can choose different crops depending on the nutrients present in the soil.
• In case of a shortage of nutrients in the soil, farmers can replenish those nutrients.
• This will help farmers to keep their field soil healthy and increase productivity.
• Excessive use of chemicals is reduced. This helps in minimizing the cost of cultivation.

Process of Soil Testing

• The soil sample of the field is collected.
• After this, the sample is sent to the soil testing center.
• After examining the soil, a report is prepared by the experts.
• These reports are then uploaded on the website along with the names of the farmers.
• The farmers are also given information about the report on their registered mobile numbers.
• A few days later, soil health cards are also provided in the physical form (printed) to the farmers.

Documents Required for the Soil Health Card Scheme

• The following documents are required for the Soil Health Card Scheme:
• Aadhar Card
• Income Certificate
• Caste Certificate
• Address Proof
• Mobile Number
• Email ID
• Signature

Challenges of the Soil Health Card Scheme

• There is a shortage of soil testing laboratories for testing.
• Some important indicators like crop history, water resources, moisture retaining capacity, soil color, structure, microbial activity, etc. are not included in the Soil Health Card.
• Many farmers are unable to understand the Soil Health Card. Therefore they are not able to follow the recommended practices.

How to Apply for the Soil Health Card Scheme?

• To avail the benefits of this scheme, first of all, you have to go to the official website .
• You can also go to the official website by clicking on the link given below in this post.
• Click on the 'Login' button on the home page of the official website.
• A new page will open in front of you. Fill in the required information as per the form and submit it.
• Again a new page will open where you have to click on the 'Register New User' button below the login form.
• Now the registration form will open in front of you.
• Fill in all the required information and click on the 'Submit' button.

Official Website for Soil Testing: http://soilhealth.dac.gov.in

Have you availed the benefits of the Soil Health Card scheme to increase crop productivity? Write your answers and experiences in the comments. Additionally, you can also get free advice from agricultural experts of DeHaat by calling our toll-free number 1800-1036-110. For such information on government schemes related to agriculture, follow the 'Farmer's Scheme' channel now. Also, don't forget to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When did the Soil Health Card scheme start?

A: The Soil Health Card scheme was started by the Central Government of India on February 19, 2015.

Q: What are the benefits of the Soil Health Card?

A: There are several benefits of the Soil Health Card. It provides information about the quality of the soil. Based on this, farmers can supplement the deficiencies of essential nutrients in the soil. Improvement in soil quality has a favorable impact on crop yields.

Q: What is the primary objective of the Soil Health Card scheme?

A: The primary objective of the Soil Health Card scheme in India is to provide farmers with information about the nutritional status of their soil and to provide them with appropriate measures to improve soil health.