The Government of Gujarat has issued over 2.19 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers as part of an ongoing initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This effort aligns with the government’s commitment to scientific farming and improving the fertility of agricultural land at a time when improper land management poses significant risks, such as pollution and soil salinity, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Genesis of the Soil Health Card Scheme
The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched in 2003-04 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, under the guiding principle “Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara.” This made Gujarat the pioneer state in India to implement such a program, highlighting the essential link between soil health and sustainable agriculture. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel continues to advocate for agricultural advancements in the state through this initiative.
Methodology and Benefits of Soil Health Cards
The Soil Health Card initiative is designed to systematically analyze soil health and maintain fertility. Soil samples from farmers’ fields are collected and sent to designated laboratories for testing. The results are compiled into a Soil Health Card that indicates the levels of twelve critical soil elements, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), organic carbon (OC), sulfur (S), boron (B), and manganese (Mn). Based on this data, farmers receive tailored guidance on the appropriate use of fertilizers, which is provided at no cost, ensuring optimal agricultural productivity over time.
Phased Implementation of the Initiative
The Soil Health Card Scheme was executed in phases: the first ran from 2003-04 to 2010-11 during which 43.03 lakh farmers received SHCs without charge, and the second phase from 2011-12 to 2015-16 provided cards to approximately 46.92 lakh farmers. Following its initial success, the scheme was expanded nationally in 2015-16, with over 1.25 crore farmers in Gujarat benefiting from the third phase initiated in 2016-17.
Impact of the Scheme on Farming in Gujarat
The initiative has notably improved farmers’ understanding of the nutrient needs of their soil, as well as the effective use of micronutrient fertilizers. A farmer from Dhansura in the Aravalli district, Babubhai Vasarambhai Patel, reported that the recommendations from the SHC led to a reduction in fertilizer costs while boosting crop yields, showcasing the scheme’s effectiveness in enhancing both economic efficiency and agricultural productivity.
Current Year’s Progress and Future Goals
In the fiscal year 2024-25, a total of 6,23,844 soil samples were collected through the SHC portal, with 6,23,295 samples successfully analyzed. For the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, the Government of India has set a target of testing 6,25,513 soil samples in the state. The Government of Gujarat is actively working towards meeting this target, having collected 6,13,355 samples thus far, with analysis of 4,86,142 samples completed. Testing of the remaining samples is ongoing.
Infrastructure Support for Efficient Sample Analysis
To ensure timely analysis and distribution of Soil Health Cards, the existing laboratory capabilities are being enhanced. Currently, Gujarat operates 19 soil testing laboratories along with one specialized microelement laboratory, each capable of processing 10,000 to 11,000 samples annually. In addition, there are 26 government-supported village-level private laboratories, each equipped to analyze 3,000 samples per year. This comprehensive approach not only provides farmers with vital insights but also empowers them to adopt scientific farming practices for improved agricultural outcomes.