GS3 🌿 Environment & Ecology

Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme

/sɔɪl hɛlθ kɑːrd skiːm/

A flagship Government of India scheme launched on 19 February 2015 under which every farmer receives a Soil Health Card once every two years, containing a printed report of the nutrient status of the soil (12 parameters: pH, EC, organic carbon, N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B) along with crop-wise recommendations for dosage of fertilisers and soil amendments required to maintain soil health and optimise productivity.

Context & Background

As of February 2025, over 24.74 crore SHCs have been generated with 8,272 Soil Testing Laboratories operational across India and Rs 1,706 crore released to states; the scheme completed 10 years in 2025; while distribution coverage is impressive, the key challenge remains farmer adoption -- studies show many farmers do not alter their fertiliser use based on SHC recommendations.

UPSC Exam Relevance

GS3 (Agriculture, Environment). Prelims: launched February 2015; 24.74 crore cards; 8,272 labs; 12 soil parameters tested. Mains: evaluate the SHC scheme's effectiveness in promoting balanced fertiliser use and improving soil health; discuss challenges in farmer behaviour change and soil testing infrastructure.