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Farmers can apply for Soil Health Cards to boost crop yields, reduce costs, and improve soil fertility.
The government is running several schemes to help farmers improve their productivity. One of these is the Soil Health Card Yojana. This scheme helps farmers understand the health of their soil and maintain its fertility by using the right amount of nutrients. Haryana’s Agriculture Minister has announced that all farmers in the state will receive Soil Health Cards under the "Har Khet-Swasth Khet" campaign. Soil samples will be collected from every acre over the next three to four years to achieve this goal.
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So far, about 70 lakh soil samples have been collected, and health cards have been distributed after analyzing 55 lakh samples. The remaining samples are being processed. In 2022, the department received a gold medal from the Scotch Group for this project. A total of 86.65 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed under the scheme.
The government has set up 17 new permanent soil and water testing laboratories across Haryana. Additionally, 54 small soil testing labs have been opened in various markets. To involve students, 240 small labs have been established in senior secondary schools and government colleges. Students collect and test soil samples here.
A portal for the "Har Khet-Swasth Khet" campaign was launched on May 26, 2022, for soil testing. Special labs have also been set up in Sirsa and Karnal to monitor pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, soil, and water. In 2023–24, 3,640 samples were analyzed. The state aims to guide farmers in improving their soil health for better crop production.
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The Soil Health Card Yojana was launched in 2015 by the Central Government. It examines soil quality and identifies nutrient deficiencies. The report assesses 12 parameters, including:
This card provides recommendations on the right amount of fertilizers to use and measures to improve soil health. It helps farmers lower costs and increase crop yields.
Farmers can apply for a Soil Health Card through the District Agriculture Office. Farmers who want soil testing for a card can contact their District or State Nodal Officer. An agent will collect the farmer’s details, and land information, and geo-tag the land via a mobile app. A QR code will be generated with this data, and the soil sample will be tested on 12 parameters at the Soil Testing Laboratory (STL).
The Soil Health Card is then created, providing crop and fertilizer recommendations. Farmers can choose crops based on their soil type and learn the right amount of fertilizer to use for better crop yields. They can also apply online at the official website, soilhealth.dac.gov.in.
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The Soil Health Card Yojana is essential for improving soil health and boosting crop yields. By using proper fertilizers and understanding soil needs, farmers can reduce costs and enhance productivity. Applying for a Soil Health Card is simple and provides long-term benefits for sustainable farming practices.