NEW DELHI, 11 August 2025: The Union Government has issued over 25.17 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers since the launch of the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme in 2015, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha recently.

The scheme aims to enhance soil health by promoting the judicious use of fertilizers — including secondary and micronutrients — alongside organic manures and bio-fertilizers. SHCs provide farmers with detailed nutrient status of their soil and precise recommendations on appropriate nutrient dosage to improve soil fertility.

Advisory services are delivered through the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and community-based facilitators such as Krishi Sakhis.

Since inception, the scheme has conducted 6.8 lakh demonstrations, organised 93,781 farmer training programmes, and held 7,425 farmer melas to spread awareness about optimal fertilizer use.

Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur, in a written reply, said that these measures aim to promote sustainable farming practices while ensuring improved productivity and soil health nationwide.

Image credit: theconversation.com