Learn how India's Soil Health Card scheme and fertilizer subsidy programs help farmers improve soil productivity, balance nutrients, and reduce costs.
Introduction: Why Soil Health Matters in Indian Farming
Soil is the foundation of farming. Just as humans need health checkups, soil too needs regular testing to ensure it can support healthy crops. Over the years, due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and mono-cropping, many Indian farms have witnessed a steep decline in soil fertility. To tackle this, the Government of India launched two important initiatives:
Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme – to test and monitor soil quality
Fertilizer Subsidy Schemes – to provide low-cost fertilizers and promote balanced usage
Together, these schemes aim to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce input costs, and help farmers plan crops more efficiently.
1. What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?
A. Scheme Overview
Launched in 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Offers free soil testing to every farmer once in 3 years
Issues a personalized soil health card with data on pH, NPK, organic carbon, and micronutrients
Recommends crop-specific fertilizer dosage based on actual soil status
B. Scheme Objectives
Promote judicious use of fertilizers
Improve crop productivity and reduce input waste
Create a national database on soil health
“Just like a blood test guides your diet, the soil test guides your crop nutrition plan.”
2. Benefits to Farmers
A. Improved Productivity
Balanced fertilizer use = better yields
Reduced risk of soil fatigue and micronutrient deficiencies
B. Cost Savings
Prevents overuse of expensive inputs like urea, DAP
Tailored fertilizer mix reduces wastage
C. Higher Profits
Reduced input cost and increased output = more income
Higher market price for quality produce
D. Better Crop Planning
Based on nutrient map of their field, farmers can plan rotation better
Encourages diversification to improve soil health
E. Scientific Awareness
Builds farmer awareness on importance of pH, EC, organic carbon
Encourages sustainable farming and organic inputs
“Farmers who used SHC-guided inputs saw up to 20–25% increase in yields and 15–20% cost savings.” — Govt Report
.png "5 Key Benefits of Soil Testing & SHC")
3. Process of Soil Testing and Report Generation
A. Soil Sample Collection
Carried out by trained personnel from KVKs, agriculture departments, or SHG groups
Sample taken from 15–20 cm depth from 4–5 locations per plot
Mixed to form a composite sample of 300–500 grams
B. Testing in Soil Testing Labs
Samples are sent to state, mobile, or private labs
Tested for:
pH (acidity/alkalinity)
EC (Electrical Conductivity)
Organic Carbon
Macro nutrients: N, P, K
Micronutrients: Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B
C. Soil Health Card Generation
Based on test report, an SHC is generated digitally
Contains:
Farmer’s name, landholding, village name
Nutrient status (in mg/kg)
Crop-wise fertilizer recommendation (kg/acre)
pH range and organic matter levels
Available at https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
“Soil testing is not a one-time event—it’s the start of a data-driven farming journey.”
.png "Soil Sample Collection to SHC Report Generation")
4. Direct Subsidy on Fertilizers
A. How Subsidy Works
India provides subsidized fertilizers through both nutrient-based and product-based subsidies. The actual price is much lower than the market price due to government payment to manufacturers.
B. Key Fertilizers Covered
Fertilizer TypeExamplesApprox Subsidized Rate (2024)
NitrogenousUrea₹266/bag (45kg)
PhosphaticDAP, SSP₹1350–1450/bag (50kg)
PotassicMOP₹1600–1800/bag
OrganicCompost, City Waste CompostSubsidy under Paramparagat Scheme
C. Fertilizer DBT System (Direct Benefit Transfer)
Introduced in 2017 for real-time tracking
Farmers buy fertilizers at MRP via Aadhaar-authenticated PoS machines
Companies are reimbursed by the government
D. Benefits of Subsidy
Ensures availability of fertilizers at affordable prices
Prevents black marketing
Encourages nutrient-balanced use, especially under SHC guidance
E. Linking SHC with Subsidy
In some states, farmers must show their SHC at PoS for fertilizer purchase
Ensures fertilizer dosage matches soil needs
“India spends over ₹2 lakh crore annually on fertilizer subsidy—making it one of the world’s largest agri support systems.”
.png "Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme: Types & Rates")
5. Impact on Crop Planning and Productivity
A. Nutrient-Based Crop Planning
SHC tells what’s missing: NPK or micronutrients
Farmers can plan crops like pulses (which fix N), or cereals (which need high N)
B. Improved Crop Rotation
Soil card encourages rotation between legumes, cereals, vegetables
Breaks pest cycle, boosts organic matter
C. Custom Fertilizer Application
Instead of one-size-fits-all, farmers now apply only required fertilizers
Saves money and avoids nutrient runoff into water bodies
D. Climate Resilience
Balanced soils withstand droughts and floods better
Healthy soils improve carbon capture and moisture retention
E. Integration with Organic Farming
Soil testing helps identify depleted organic carbon
Guides the use of compost, green manure, and biofertilizers
“With SHC + targeted fertilizer use, farmers get better yields, lower costs, and healthier soil — all at once.”
.png "Using SHC for Better Crop Rotation & Fertilizer Use")
Conclusion: Empowering Farmers with Knowledge & Affordability
The combined power of the Soil Health Card scheme and Fertilizer Subsidy puts farmers in control of their land and input costs. Instead of guesswork, they now have scientific data and government support.
✅ SHC = Know your soil's real condition
✅ Fertilizer Subsidy = Reduce input costs
✅ SHC + Subsidy = Smart, sustainable farming
“Soil is not just dirt. It’s a living, breathing resource. Healthy soil = Healthy farmer = Healthy nation.”
suggested reading
1.Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A Complete Guide for Indian Farmers
