21-February -2025-Special-Article

SOIL HEALTH CARD (SHC) SCHEME

The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme, launched on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh, Rajasthan. It aims to improve soil fertility and prevent soil degradation by providing scientific soil health recommendations to farmers.

What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

• It is a centrally sponsored scheme that supports state governments in issuing Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers.
• The primary goal is to assess soil health and recommend appropriate nutrient application for improving productivity.
• Soil samples are collected twice a year after the Rabi and Kharif crop harvest or during periods with no standing crops.

Components of Soil Health Card (SHC)

The SHC provides data on 12 soil parameters:

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S).
• Micronutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo).
• Other Soil Properties: pH level (acidity/basicity), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC).

Key Initiatives Under SHC

Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs):

• These decentralized labs operate at local levels for faster soil testing.
• As of February 2025, 665 VLSTLs have been established across 17 states.

School Soil Health Programme:

• Introduced to educate students about soil health, testing, and SHC preparation.
• By 2024, 1,020 schools participated, leading to 1,000 new soil testing labs.

Integration with Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

• Since 2022-23, the SHC Scheme operates under RKVY’s ‘Soil Health & Fertility’ component.
• RKVY (2007) is a broader scheme promoting agricultural and allied sector development.

Technological Advancements in SHC

• SHC Portal: Available in all major Indian languages and five dialects for accessibility.
• SHC Mobile App: Enables farmers to access SHCs easily and improves the efficiency of sample collection.
• GIS Integration: Uses latitude and longitude to geotag soil samples, ensuring accurate mapping and monitoring of soil health.

Benefits of SHC Scheme

Higher Crop Yield:

The scheme has significantly boosted productivity, with the highest increase seen in:

• Bengal Gram (44%) in Karnataka.
• Wheat (43%) in Karnataka.
• Maize (30%) in Madhya Pradesh.
• Red Gram (22%) in Maharashtra.

Reduced Fertilizer Use:

• Farmers reduced nitrogen use by 7%, phosphorus by 41%, and potassium by 27% for wheat.

Lower Pest Incidence:

• 46% decrease in crop diseases and pest infestations.

Other Improvements:

• 12% enhancement in soil texture.
• 38% better crop growth.
• 35% improved grain quality.

Current Soil Health Challenges in India

Unsustainable Agricultural Practices:

• Excessive chemical use and monocropping have led to nutrient depletion and soil acidification.
• g., Punjab and Haryana’s soil has lost organic carbon due to the Green Revolution.

Water Mismanagement:

• Overuse of water in flood irrigation results in salinization and waterlogging.
• By 2050, nearly 50% of arable land may be affected by salinity.

Overgrazing:

• Unregulated livestock grazing damages vegetation and increases soil erosion, particularly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Shifting Cultivation:

• Slash-and-burn agriculture depletes soil nutrients and destroys organic matter.

Invasive Species:

• Spread of plants like Lantana camara reduces soil fertility and disturbs biodiversity.

Way Forward

Increasing Farmer Awareness:

• Only 57% of farmers whose soil was tested are aware of SHC.
• State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) must organize training programs and workshops.

Strengthening Soil Testing Infrastructure:

• At least one Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) per taluka is required for timely analysis.

Ensuring Timely Distribution of SHCs:

• SHCs should be provided before sowing seasons to enable farmers to apply correct fertilizers.
• The time gap between soil testing and card distribution must be reduced.

Advanced Technology Adoption:

• Israel’s Plantarray Technology can provide real-time soil health data using smart sensors.

Incentives for Sustainable Practices:

• Recognition for farmers, gram panchayats, and officials promoting soil testing.
• Encouragement of green manure, organic farming, and vermicomposting to enhance soil health.

Mains Question:

1. Discuss the significance of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in India. (150 WORDS)