SOIL HEALTH CARD: “Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa” Over 25 Crore Soil Health Cards Distributed Across the Country

SOIL SAMPLING AND TESTING PROCESS

Soil samples are taken from a depth of 15–20 cm using a V-shaped cut, collected from four corners and the centre of the field. Samples are collected in a grid of 2.5 hectares in irrigated areas and 10 hectares in rain-fed areas using GPS tools and revenue maps. Sampling is done after harvest of Rabi and Kharif crops, or when there is no standing crop in the field. Trained personnel, agriculture department staff, or students from agricultural colleges collect the samples.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND COSTS

1% of the samples are cross-checked in referral laboratories for quality assurance.
The central government provides ₹190 per sample to cover costs for collection, testing, soil health card generation, and distribution.

CARD VALIDITY 

A Soil Health Card is issued once every 3 years.
The next card in the following cycle captures changes in soil health over time.

Objectives of Soil Health Card Scheme

APPLICATION PROCESS

SOIL HEALTH CARD PORTAL

The Soil Health Card Portal is an online and mobile-based platform created for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It helps generate Soil Health Cards in a standard format that can be used across the country. The cards are available in 22 languages, 5 dialects, and in local units to make them easy for farmers to understand

SOIL TESTING LABORATORIES

As part of the scheme, soil samples are collected from various farms and tested in approved Soil Testing Laboratories (SLT). These tests follow the guidelines set under the scheme. The results are then uploaded to the National Soil Health Card portal. This portal is used to register samples, store test reports and create Soil Health Cards. It also provides fertiliser recommendations and helps track the overall progress of the programme.

The guidelines for setting up Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) were released on 22.06.2023.

These labs can be established by rural youth or community-based groups such as Self Help Groups (SHGs), schools, and agricultural universities.
Individuals applying must be between 18 and 27 years of age.
Self Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) are also eligible to apply.
Applications are reviewed and approved by the District Level Executive Committee.
As of February 2025, a total of 665 village-level soil testing labs has been set up across 17 states in India.

SCHOOL SOIL HEALTH PROGRAMME

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare set up soil health labs in 20 schoolsin rural areas as part of a pilot programme. Learning modules were prepared for students from Classes 6 to 12, as well as for teachers. The aim is to make students aware about soil health for sustainable agriculture practices. These were shared with schools to support the training process.
Both students and teachers were trained to collect soil samples, carry out tests, and generate Soil Health Cards using a mobile app developed specially for this programme. School students collected the soil, tested it in the lab, and created the health cards. They also played a key role in sharing the recommendations of these cards with farmers, helping them understand how to use fertilisers wisely and choose the right crops. As of 24th July 2025, 1,021 schools are implementing the School Soil Health Programme, with 1,000 soil testing labs set up and 132,525 students enrolled.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

Conclusion 

The Soil Health Card Scheme has transformed how farmers think about their land. It has brought scientific understanding into hands of millions of farmers, helping them make better decisions and improve their livelihoods. The data-driven approach of the scheme has reduced input costs, boosted productivity, and promoted long-term soil care. By connecting testing labs, digital tools, schools, and communities, the scheme has created a robust system that puts the farmer at the centre. As India moves towards climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, the Soil Health Card Scheme remains a model of how data, awareness, and grassroots support can together lead to real change. Continued investment and innovation under the scheme will be key to building a future where Indian soils stay fertile, healthy, and productive for generations to come.

Prelims Questions