Issuance of Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers
Context
The Government of India has been implementing the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme since 2015, aimed at improving soil health and increasing agricultural production.
- This initiative is primarily driven by the issuance of Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers, providing them with essential information on the nutrient status of their soil and recommending appropriate nutrient management practices.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights:
- Soil Health Cards (SHCs): A total of 24.17 crore SHCs have been issued to farmers, offering insights into the health of their soil and guidelines for appropriate nutrient application.
- Judicious Fertilizer Use: SHCs promote the balanced use of fertilizers, including secondary and micro-nutrients, alongside organic manures and bio-fertilizers.
- Farmer Education: To enhance the effectiveness of SHCs, 6.8 lakh demonstrations, 93,781 farmer training programs, and 7,425 farmer melas have been organized across the country.
- Advisory Support: After SHCs are issued, farmers receive advice and guidelines through platforms like Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and Krishi Sakhi.
Significance:
- Enhanced Soil Health: The SHCs provide critical information that helps in the judicious use of fertilizers, which contributes to improved soil health and sustainable farming practices.
- Increased Agricultural Productivity: By following the recommendations provided in the SHCs, farmers can optimize their fertilizer use, leading to better crop yields and increased agricultural productivity.
- Farmer Empowerment: The extensive training programs and demonstrations empower farmers with knowledge and skills, enabling them to make informed decisions about soil and crop management.
- Environmental Sustainability: The focus on balanced fertilizer use and the incorporation of organic inputs contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices and soil conservation.
