About this agriculture scheme
The scheme aims to promote soil test-based nutrient management by providing Soil Health Cards containing soil analysis results and fertilizer recommendations to farmers across India.
The scheme "RKVY Soil Health and Fertility – Soil Health Card" implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aims to promote soil test-based nutrient management through providing Soil Health Cards to farmers across India. The Soil Health Card contains the status of soil with respect to 12 parameters, including macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients, and soil properties. Based on the test results, the card provides recommendations regarding fertilizers and soil amendments required for the farm. The scheme also seeks to strengthen soil testing laboratories and build the capacity of district and state-level staff. It helps farmers make informed decisions regarding nutrient management and fertilizer use.
Benefits at a glance
| Scheme name | RKVY Soil Health and Fertility – Soil Health Card (RKVYSHFSHC) |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Department | Department of Agriculture and Cooperation |
| Launch year | 2015 |
| Benefit type | In kind (goods, services or support, not cash) |
| Category | Agriculture |
| Level / State | Central · All India |
| Official portal | soilhealth.dac.gov.in |
Key facts
| Scheme type | Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | State Government |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Application mode | Offline |
| Last date | Not given in the official listing |
| DBT (direct bank transfer) | No |
Who can apply (quick check)
- 👤All genders
- 🎂Age 18 to 80 years
- 📝Offline
Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.
What you receive
- Soil Health Card: Provides a Soil Health Card containing detailed soil analysis results.
- Soil Testing Facility: Provides free or affordable access to soil testing services.
- Soil Analysis Report: Provides timely and accurate soil analysis results to farmers.
- Nutrient Recommendations: Provides customized soil nutrient and fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results.
- Cost Optimization: Helps farmers optimize fertilizer use and reduce input costs by avoiding under-application or over-application of fertilizers.
Soil Fertility Assessment:
- Assesses soil status based on 12 parameters:
- Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Sulphur (S)
- Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (Bo)
- pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC)
Financial Norms:
- Soil Sampling, Testing and Generation of Soil Health Card: Rs. 300/- per Soil Health Card.
- Soil Collection: Rs. 40/-
- Soil Testing and Analysis: Rs. 150/-
- Awareness Activities: Rs. 110/-
Who qualifies
- The applicant must be a farmer.
- The applicant must be residing in India.
Who is not eligible
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Papers to keep ready
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Registration walkthrough
Offline
Step 1: Farmer approaches a District Agriculture Officer / Block Agriculture Officer for soil testing and generation of a SHC.
Step 2: The concerned officer shall initiate the process for the concerned farmer wherein they assess whether the applicant’s district / village falls under State Annual Action Plan for generation of SHC.
Step 3: Agent visits the farmer and collects farmer details, land details and geo-tags the land through mobile app and takes a sample of the soil for testing
Step 4: The soil is tested on set parameters and a Soil Health report is generated for the farmer’s land
Step 5: The report contains results as well as recommendations on suitable crops for the soil type, and the quantity and type of fertiliser to be used.
Important dates
| Launch / start | 01 Jan 2015 |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is the "RKVY Soil Health and Fertility - Soil Health Card Scheme"?
The scheme provides Soil Health Cards containing soil analysis results and fertilizer recommendations to farmers.
Which ministry implements this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Who can apply under this scheme?
Any farmer in India can apply under the scheme, subject to coverage under the State Annual Action Plan.
What is a "Soil Health Card"?
A "Soil Health Card" is a report that provides information about the nutrient status and health of a farmer's soil.
How can a farmer obtain a "Soil Health Card"?
For generation of SHC, farmer should reach out to the District / State Nodal officer if he/she wants to get soil testing done for free. Agent visits the farmer and collects farmer details, land details and geo-tags the land through mobile app and generates a QR code (which carries information on farmer and land). The soil is taken to a STL where it is tested on 12 parameters. The SHC is generated after soil test on portal. The SHC gives crop recommendations and fertiliser recommendations (which crop should be grown on this soil type and how much and which fertiliser is best suited).
What information is included in the Soil Health Card?
The card includes soil analysis results for 12 parameters and recommendations on fertilizers and soil amendments.
Which nutrients are tested under the scheme?
The soil is tested for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Boron, pH, Electrical Conductivity, and Organic Carbon.
Does the scheme provide fertilizer recommendations?
Yes, the scheme provides customized fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results.
Can farmers access the Soil Health Card online?
Yes, farmers can download the Soil Health Card from the Soil Health Card portal or through the SMS link received on their mobile number.
How is the soil sample collected?
An authorized agent visits the farmer's land, geo-tags the location, and collects the soil sample for testing.
What is the cost prescribed for soil sampling, testing, and generation of a Soil Health Card?
The prescribed rate is Rs. 300/- per Soil Health Card.
Submit your application yourself on the official portal; it costs nothing. Treat anyone demanding money to "get you approved" as a scam.
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The details on this page are from the official listing and have not been rewritten or reviewed by our team yet. Confirm them on the official portal before applying.

