Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC): Key Features, Benefits and Coverage (2025 Updated)

The soil on a farm is like its lifeblood; when it's healthy, crops grow and produce an abundance of harvests. But how can farmers find out whether their soil requires some extra attention or is in excellent condition? The Soil Health Card Scheme fills this gap. Consider it like a medical examination meant to test soil! This government-initiated project in India gives farmers a precise view of the condition of their soil, including vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In the same manner that a doctor helps keep us well, the Soil Health Card offers farmers guidance on how to take care of their soil.

With this information, farmers can more wisely decide on other supplies, like fertilisers, leading to better crops, higher yields, and longer-lasting soil sustainability.

It's a simple yet beneficial card that could potentially save farmers' finances, enhance crop quality, and protect the environment in one go. This article delves into the Soil Health Card Scheme, highlighting its outstanding benefits and demonstrating how it is revolutionising farming throughout the nation.

Wondering how it's all put together and what kind of impact it makes?

In this article, we will discuss how this project is enabling India's farmlands to reach their full potential! So, let’s begin.
 

What Is A Soil Health Card?

A Soil Health Card (SHC) is an incredibly useful resource designed specifically for Indian farmers. In simple terms, it provides a thorough overview of their land’s soil condition. This essential tool provides farmers with information about the health of their land and the long-term effects of their farming methods on the soil.

So, what is the actual benefit to farmers from this?

SHCs help farmers make more informed decisions about what crops to produce, how to manage nutrients, and what actions to take to maintain their soil. It does so by providing important soil health indicators in an understandable as well as simple manner.

The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, which is a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, created the Soil Health Card Scheme. This national program is executed by local agriculture departments in each state and union territory.

Many farmers find it difficult to choose the crops that are ideal for their land because they don't know enough about the kind and quality of soil they are dealing with. This is why SHCs offer scientific support to understand soil, enhance soil health, and thereby increase agricultural yields. It's definitely changing the game for agriculture in India!

It gets much more exciting from here, though.

Furthermore, as of the fiscal year 2022-2023, the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) now includes the Soil Health Card Scheme as part of its "Soil Health & Fertility" component. With this integration, the scheme has only become stronger, supporting the objective of promoting healthier soil and more productive farming across India.
 

The Bigger Picture: Objectives Of The Soil Health Card Scheme

Now let's explore the key objectives of the Soil Health Card Scheme:

• Empowering Farmers With Soil Health Cards
  One of the most important goals of the scheme is to provide Soil Health Cards to farmers nationwide every three years. But why is this important? These cards are vital resources that give farmers insightful information about the nutrient state of their soil. Farmers become more equipped to make decisions regarding their fertilisation procedures when they receive regular reports. This increases agricultural yields while also assisting in addressing nutrient deficits. In the long run, this methodical approach promotes effective nutrient management, which is advantageous for both farmers and the environment and, thus, supports sustainable agriculture.
   
• Enhancing Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs)
  For farming to be successful, soil testing must be more accurate and reliable. By educating laboratory personnel and giving agricultural students practical experience, the program seeks to improve STL skills. Here, the State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) collaborate closely to keep STLs updated on the most recent findings and approaches. As a result, they can relieve the workload on stationary labs by offering farmers specialised advice and high-quality analyses.
   
• Standardising Soil Sampling And Analysis
  One of the scheme’s primary objectives is the deployment of standardised processes for soil sampling and analysis across various states. Now, you might be thinking, actually why is this necessary? By implementing standard procedures, the program can accurately identify problems with soil fertility. Using this vital data, customised fertiliser recommendations will be made at the block or taluqa level in particular districts. By providing customised tactics, the scheme ensures that farmers receive guidance that is pertinent to the soil conditions in their area, which eventually improves crop yield.
   
• Promoting Soil Test-Based Nutrient Management
  Now, let’s shift our attention to another crucial purpose of the scheme: increasing soil test-based nutrient management!
  
  This strategy is important because the scheme aims to improve fertiliser effectiveness through the use of soil testing, allowing farmers to apply the precise amount of nutrients required for the best crop growth. Lowering the risks of overfertilization and its detrimental effects, this approach promotes environmental sustainability in addition to increasing agricultural productivity.
   
• Training For District And State-Level Employees
  The scheme places a strong emphasis on the vital role that capacity building and training play for progressive farmers as well as district and state-level employees. Curious, why is this training so important?
  
  Basically, with the provision of nutrient management knowledge and skills, the curriculum facilitates a more profound comprehension of sustainable agriculture methods. Farmers are more successfully able to apply best practices because of this empowerment, which improves soil health, boosts productivity, and improves livelihoods.
   
• Creating Job Opportunities For Rural Youth
  One of the programs' goals is to set up soil testing labs at the village level, run by younger individuals from the surrounding region. But how does this benefit the community? By doing so, the scheme creates employment opportunities in rural areas while also expanding access to soil testing services. This is a win-win situation, as it empowers local youngsters while helping to achieve the larger goal of increasing soil health and agricultural methods.
   

Key Features Of The Soil Health Card Scheme You Need  To Know In 2025

Let's examine the most recent key features of the Soil Health Card Scheme in more detail!

Impressive Statistics

• Total Allotment: 8,173,565
• Samples Collected: 5,648,012
• Tests Completed & SHCs Generated: 2,920,771

These figures show the scheme's advancement and positive effects on enhancing agricultural productivity and soil health. The government has ambitious plans to ensure that all farmers are covered under the scheme.  That's right! All farmers in the country would have access to these vital assets. Farmers will receive a detailed report outlining the unique conditions of their soil in the form of a soil card. This implies that they will be able to make clever choices by using specific information.

Crucially, farmers are going to get a fresh soil certificate every three years. This regular update ensures that farmers have access to the most updated data about their soil, allowing them to adapt their practices accordingly.

Let's now explore each of the exciting features of the Soil Health Card Scheme in depth:

• Soil Type Identification:
  Let's start with the most important feature-identifying the different types of soil. Through the Soil Health Card program, farmers can identify the specific kind of soil in their farming area. Do you know why this is vital? Understanding the qualities of the soil is essential for successful farming, and knowing its type helps farmers achieve what they do best.
   
• Increasing Crop Yields:
  Farmers can improve the productivity of their soil by implementing the scheme's principles into practice. In the end, this results in higher crop yields, and who wouldn't want that?
   
• Making Informed Crop Decisions with Detailed Soil Information:
  By having a thorough understanding of the type of soil they have, farmers may choose crops that are best suited for the quality of their soil. This leads to not only more efficient farming practices but also boosts their earnings.
  
  The Soil Health Card provides comprehensive information regarding the state of farmers' soil. With an abundance of information at their disposal, they may make well-informed decisions that have a big impact on the outcome of their farming.
   
• Increasing Income And Improving Soil Health:
  Another goal of the program is to increase farmers' earnings while improving the nutrient balance and soil structure by applying the right fertilisers. The farmer and the environment both benefit from it!
   
• Cost-Effective Farming:
  The scheme can result in higher agricultural output at a subsidised cost by encouraging cost-effective farming methods. 
   
• Simplified Soil Analysis For Consistency:
  Moreover, in order to optimise the potential benefits of the SHC scheme, the government requires each farmer to have a single, designated person perform soil analysis. This methodology improves the precision and dependability of soil examinations, guaranteeing farmers receive top-notch assistance.
   
• Customised Advice For Crop Planting:
  The Soil Health Card also offers guidance for crop planting tailored to the specific conditions of each farmer's land. It also means that farmers can improve the final results of their planting techniques.
   
• Advice On Fertiliser Use:
  Lastly, farmers are given precise instructions on the type and the amount of fertilisers that are appropriate to use. This guarantees the best possible health of the soil and improves crop performance, which is necessary for a good harvest.
   

Soil Health Card Scheme Benefits You Can’t Ignore In 2025

Here’s what you ought to know about the benefits of the scheme:

• Leveraging GIS Technology for Better Soil Health Mapping
  The New Soil Health Card Scheme is currently benefiting from some major technological advancements implemented by the Indian government. With the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, the Soil Health Card system has been improved and now offers farmers access to mapped test results. On top of that, a mobile app that is easier to use has been created to make accessing these SHCs simpler and more efficient.
   
• Mobile App Features and Technological Advancements
  This application offers a number of exceptionally helpful functions, streamlining operations without the assistance of manual labour. Key functions include-
• • Automatically collects GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude),
  • Restricts sample collection to designated regions for village-level entrepreneurs/operators, and creates QR codes that instantly connect farmers to sample and test results from geo-mapped labs.

Introduced in April 2023, this technology-forward approach now collects samples through the app and generates SHCs on an enhanced portal. For state officials, 56 training sessions have already been held to guarantee a seamless deployment.

All things considered, these advantages show how much the Soil Health Card Scheme has improved agricultural methods and benefitted farmers. 
 

How Does SHC Help The Growers?

Here are a few ways in which the SHC helps farmers improve their living -

• Thorough Soil Reports:
  Farmers who acquire a Soil Health Card are provided with a comprehensive report that outlines the specific soil conditions that are best for growing crops. However, what does this imply for them? Farmers can use this information to make well-informed decisions about what to plant and how best to maintain their land.
   
• Regular Monitoring For Timely Insights:
  One of the SHC's most notable attributes is its dedication to routine monitoring. By regularly assessing soil conditions, farmers will have access to timely and pertinent information.
   
• Professional Advice And Insights:
  Farmers can also benefit from professional advice. Agriculture experts offer insightful analyses and suggestions for enhancing soil quality, helping farmers implement productive, efficient practices. 
   
• Maintaining Long-Term Records Of Soil Health:
  Another important benefit is the capacity to keep track of soil health over an extended period of time by ongoing monitoring. This enables farmers to examine and assess the long-term impacts of different soil management techniques.
   
• Deeper Understanding Through Consistent Assessment:
  The Soil Health Card works best when assessments are performed by the same person every time. This consistency encourages a more thorough comprehension of the alterations and advancements in soil over time. This would result in management techniques that are more specialised and efficient.
   
• Setting The Emphasis On Improving Soil Fertility:
  The SHC seeks to highlight methods for improving soil fertility rather than compare various soil types. This entails being aware of each type of soil's limitations and its ability to support crop development. 
   
• Customised Crop-Specific Recommendation:
  In addition, the Soil Health Card delivers targeted nutrient and disease management advice for specific crops based on soil type. This advice aids farmers in streamlining their operations, which eventually raises agricultural yields. 
   

Soil Health Card Scheme: What Are Its Key Provisions?

The key highlights of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme are:

• Improving Agricultural Production:
  India's agricultural performance, especially the achievement of a surplus in food grain production, can be attributed in large part to the Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC). The SHC system directly increases agricultural output by emphasising soil health, demonstrating how healthy soil is essential for higher crop yields.
   
• Adapting To Climate Variability:
  Today's farmers are particularly concerned about the potential effects of erratic weather patterns on agriculture. For example, last year’s unseasonal rains caused an increase in the price of onions. Scientists studying agriculture are now putting a lot of effort into reducing the effects of these climatic problems, and the SHC program offers a tool to farmers so they may better manage these risks by using educated practices.
   
• Reaching Farmers With Tangible Benefits:
  Since the SHC scheme's inception, As of 2023, an impressive 23.58 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country. These cards are more than just documentation; they are emblems of the government's determination to give farmers the tools they require to succeed. The goal is to ensure that these efforts result in real, measurable benefits for farmers across the country.
   
• Personalised Fertiliser Use And Soil Testing:
  Farmers get Soil Health Cards every three years, which include a wealth of information on the condition of their soil, including its nutrient level. Furthermore, these cards provide tailored advice on the application of fertiliser for particular crops. This increases farmers' total production and income and assists them in applying fertiliser more effectively.
   
• Increasing Soil Testing Infrastructure:
  The SHC scheme's effectiveness depends on having a strong soil testing infrastructure. In India, the government has made great progress in setting up different Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs). These facilities, which range in size from static to mobile to even mini-labs, allow for in-depth soil investigation and are based on strategies that have been successfully implemented to raise agricultural output.
   
• Long-Term Goals for Sustainable Agriculture:
  The SHC scheme aims to achieve more than just immediate financial gain. Long-term goals are taken into consideration in its design, especially when it comes to encouraging sustainable farming methods. Farmers can use measures that lower cultivation costs overall and boost crop yields by routinely assessing the health of their soil. In the long run, this persistent effort will result in more resilient farming practices and healthier soils.
   
• Opportunities For The Future:
  In the years to come, the government intends to collect individual soil samples in four lakh villages. Many demonstration projects will also be conducted to educate farmers on best practices and increase awareness. As the nation improves its soil testing capacities, the fundamental goal will remain the same: safeguard farmers' access to profitable and sustainable farming methods while also enhancing the condition of India's agricultural lands.
   

Unpacking The Soil Health Card Process: From Analysis To Distribution

Now, let's explore the fundamental procedure for analysing soil health and distributing soil health cards. Gaining an understanding of this process is essential to raising agricultural sustainability and output.

• Sampling Norms
  Initially, soil samples are gathered in an organised manner. Samples are collected from 2.5-hectare grids in irrigated areas and 10-hectare grids in rain-fed areas. This accuracy is attained by employing revenue maps and GPS technologies, which guarantee precise sampling in a variety of terrains.
   
• Gathering Soil Samples
  Next, we will address the procedure and timing of the sample collection -
  • Timing: Soil sampling usually takes place twice a year, following the completion of the Rabi and Kharif crop harvests or when there are no standing crops in the fields, allowing for a more accurate analysis.
  • Who Collects?: The Department of Agriculture of the State Government is mainly in charge of collecting samples. Employees of contracted organisations assist them, and local science and agriculture college students often help with this vital task.
  • Method: A great deal of care goes into the collection process. Trained workers cut a "V"-shaped hole in the soil to collect samples at a depth of 15-20 cm. They take care to avoid shaded regions that could skew the results, diligently collecting samples from the field's four corners as well as its centre. The sand is collected, thoroughly combined, bagged, and well-labelled before being delivered to a soil testing laboratory for an in-depth examination.
     
• Soil Testing
  The process of soil testing guarantees a comprehensive assessment of all critical aspects of soil health. At several accredited laboratories, soil samples are tested, and all 12 parameters pertaining to soil health are examined. These labs are located throughout several organisations, and each is vital to the testing procedure.
   
• Quality Assurance
  It is crucial to ensure that soil testing is done accurately. To uphold high standards, a referral laboratory will receive 1% of all samples collected each year. In this step, the results from the Primary Laboratory are independently analysed and certified. To further strengthen the testing process's integrity, the State Government would also receive assistance in setting up these Referral Laboratories as needed.
   
• Soil Test Reporting And Access
  The next step is to report the results after the analysis is finished. The test findings and recommendations that follow are posted on the portal for the Soil Health Card (SHC). Farmers and other stakeholders can easily find important information through this publicly accessible site. What's available via the portal is as follows -
  • Nutrient Status Reports: These reports offer a thorough summary of nutrient availability and are arranged by farmer, sample, grid, village, and block.
  • Micro And Macro Nutrient Status Reports: Farmers can better understand the unique nutrient requirements of their soil by receiving detailed assessments of both micro and macronutrients.
  • Comparative Reports For Various Soil Testing Cycles: This resource lets users monitor changes over time and provides information on the health of the soil in different testing cycles.
  • Report Distribution And Printing

Printing and distributing reports is an essential step in the practical management of soil health. The committed team in charge of this assignment consists of agricultural extension officers, soil testing lab heads, the assistant director of agriculture, and field personnel. When combined, they guarantee the effective printing and distribution of Soil Health Cards (SHCs). Field staff members are given honorariums as a token of gratitude for their sample collecting, analysis, and card distribution efforts.

To make the process even more user-friendly, farmers can print their own SHCs conveniently right from the portal.

• Payment Per Sample
  Let's now discuss the financial aspect. The State Governments in India receive Rs. 190 from the Central Government for each soil sample. All related expenses, such as sample collection, testing, and the creation and delivery of the Soil Health Card to farmers, will be covered by this funding. The farmers are not faced with any financial hardship because of this precise approach, which frees them up to concentrate on what really matters—their harvests. Interestingly, the entire procedure, from sample collection to report generation, is projected to be finished in 30 days or less, guaranteeing prompt access to essential data.
   
• Available Languages For Printing SHCs
  To improve accessibility, Soil Health Cards can be printed in five dialects and 22 local languages (except English). Because of this inclusive approach, farmers throughout the nation will be able to comprehend and use the information on their Soil Health Cards. Every farmer will find it simpler to interact with and gain from this valuable resource because the languages offered reflect the varied linguistic geographical locations of India.
   

Soil Testing Laboratories

Agriculture relies heavily on soil health, and testing is essential to making sure the soil is in good condition. In order to make this easier, soil samples are carefully examined at multiple locations using a range of accredited standards for each of the 12 factors. Let's investigate these choices -

1. The Department of Agriculture runs Soil Testing Laboratories (STLs) where committed employees do in-depth examinations.
2. STLs that are in the ownership of the Department of Agriculture, but are manned by employees of an external organisation, ensuring proficiency in testing protocols.
3. With its own skilled workforce, the outsourced agency runs STLs that offer flexibility and access to cutting-edge methods.
4. KVKs and SAUs are two examples of ICAR facilities that provide insightful research and testing services.
5. Science colleges and universities have laboratories where enthusiastic students can conduct experiments under the supervision of knowledgeable professors or scientists to obtain practical expertise in soil analysis.

Now, why is having a strong network of these laboratories so crucial?

Well, having a sufficient number of soil testing laboratories manned with qualified workers is crucial for rapid examination and reporting of soil health. In addition to conducting studies, India's extensive network of soil testing laboratories, many of which are operated by ICAR institutes, also provides technical assistance for a range of agricultural difficulties.

To better understand the wide reach and resources available for soil testing across the nation, let's look at the state-by-state distribution of ICAR institutes in more detail -

State governments have set up district-level Soil Testing Labs as a major step towards supporting agriculture. To improve soil health and increase agricultural productivity, this attempt is essential. Let's look at a few of these labs that have been established in different areas -

One of the most important steps in encouraging sustainable soil health management that is specifically adapted to local conditions and crops is setting up small labs or soil testing facilities at the village level. Farmers will ultimately benefit from this localised strategy, which not only makes soil health examinations more accessible but also streamlines the process of gathering and distributing soil health certificates.

In order to support this program, a District Level Empowered Committee (DLEC) is essential in choosing government-backed entrepreneurs or beneficiaries to run these small labs. It's crucial to remember that eligible recipients need to provide a bond that ensures they will operate the labs for two cycles or more or a minimum of four years of dedicated service. Furthermore, the establishment of village-level soil testing facilities capable of processing up to 3,000 samples a year can be financially supported by the soil health card program.

On top of that, outsourcing these services through other organisations is another practical way to strengthen the soil testing infrastructure. In light of this, instructions for outsourcing soil sample analysis under the soil health card plan were recently released by the Indian government. This gives states the freedom to work with one agency or more, based on the quantity and urgency of soil analysis needed. We can greatly improve soil health management and assist farmers in their agricultural endeavours by putting these strategies into practice.
 

Soil Health Card Portal

India's Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare recently developed an innovative and user-friendly mobile and web application called the Soil Health Card Portal. This phenomenal website is made exclusively to help farmers throughout the country. When you opt for a  Soil Health Card, you can enjoy a remarkable feature that presents your soil health information in a standardised format. This system ensures accessibility by offering details in 22 languages, five dialects, and local units, making it easier for you to understand and utilise the insights for your farming needs.

So, what exactly does an SHC provide?

It provides farmers with valuable data on the nutritional composition of their land, improving their understanding of their soil. To further support long-term soil health, the card also offers customised suggestions for soil amendments, fertilisers, biofertilisers, and organic fertiliser dosages. In this way, farmers have the power to make decisions that would improve their agricultural practices and contribute to sustainable farming.
 

Wrapping Up,

The Soil Health Card is a field hero in a world where the delicate balance of nature is at threat. It gives farmers vital information, much like a personal health examination, enabling them to make informed decisions about their crops. With this card in hand, you can think of a farmer bringing rich green fields even out of barren ground. With the correct nutrients, they can develop healthier soil, yield abundant crops, and guarantee future generations have a sustainable future. The wisdom provided by the Soil Health Card may help our world flourish, just as a garden can with proper care and education. Remember that as we take care of our soil, we are also taking responsibility for our planet!

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Disclaimer: The content provided here is intended solely to inform and explain. It has been compiled from various sources and may be subject to change. Since we are not an expert on this topic, we recommend consulting a qualified professional for better understanding or before taking any action.
 

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