Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC)
Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India
Launched: 19 February 2015
Implemented By: Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW)
Scheme Type: Agricultural Productivity & Soil Management
Beneficiary Type: Farmers (individual or group)
Coverage: All States & Union Territories
Category: Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Official Website: https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
About the Scheme
The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to promote soil testing and balanced fertilizer use.
Under this scheme, farmers are provided with a Soil Health Card that contains detailed information about the nutrient status of their soil along with fertilizer and manure recommendations to improve productivity.
Goal: To help farmers make informed decisions about soil management, reduce input costs, and enhance agricultural yields sustainably.
🧭 Objectives
- To issue soil health cards to all farmers across India every two years.
- To provide nutrient-based recommendations for each farmer’s soil.
- To minimize excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- To promote scientific and sustainable farming practices.
- To monitor soil health trends over time.
🧾 Key Features
- Soil samples are collected from individual farms, tested in authorized Soil Testing Laboratories, and analyzed for 12 key parameters including:
- Macronutrients: N, P, K
- Secondary nutrients: S, Mg, Ca
- Micronutrients: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B
- pH and Electrical Conductivity
- Farmers receive personalized Soil Health Cards containing:
- Soil test results
- Fertilizer dosage recommendations
- Crop-wise advice
- Soil improvement measures
- Data digitized and available on the Soil Health Card Portal.
- Promotes micro-nutrient management and integrated nutrient management.
Soil Sampling Process
- A composite soil sample is taken from 2.5 hectares (5 acres) of uniform land.
- Samples are sent to state / district soil testing laboratories.
- Analysis is done for 12 parameters.
- Results are digitized and uploaded to the SHC portal.
- Printed SHCs are distributed by District Agriculture Offices or KVKs.
Cycle of Issuance
- Soil Health Cards are issued once every two years for each farm holding.
- Cycle-I: 2015–17
- Cycle-II: 2017–19
- Cycle-III: 2019–21 (extended in phases)
- Cycle-IV: 2023–25 ongoing
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual farmers | Landowners, tenant farmers, sharecroppers |
| Group of farmers | Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), SHGs, cooperatives |
| Land category | Agricultural land used for crop cultivation |
Documents Required
| Type | Document |
|---|---|
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar card / Voter ID / PAN card |
| Land Record | Khasra / Khatauni / land ownership certificate |
| Bank Details | Passbook / account number for communication |
| Mobile Number | For updates and SMS alerts |
| Passport Photo | Optional for records |
How to Apply
🖥️ Online Method
- Visit the official portal https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
- Go to “Farmers Corner → Register Farmer”.
- Enter personal details, Aadhaar number, and land details.
- Select your State, District, and Block.
- Submit the form to schedule soil sample collection.
- You will receive SMS confirmation once testing is complete.
- Download your Soil Health Card from the portal.
Offline Method
- Visit your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) / Agriculture Department Office / Soil Testing Laboratory.
- Fill the SHC application form.
- Submit with land and ID proof.
- Agriculture officers will collect soil samples and send them for analysis.
- You will be informed when your Soil Health Card is ready.
Benefits to Farmers
- Scientific fertilizer use → reduced input cost.
- Higher productivity with balanced nutrition.
- Soil fertility restoration for long-term sustainability.
- Avoids overuse of urea and prevents soil degradation.
- Digital record helps in credit, subsidy, and policy planning.
Contact Details
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare
Krishi Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road,
New Delhi – 110001
📞 Helpline: 1800-180-1551
🌐 https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
How to Check Soil Health Card Status
- Visit https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in
- Go to “Farmer Portal → View Soil Health Card”.
- Enter your State, District, and Farmer ID / Aadhaar number.
- Click Submit to view or download the SHC PDF.
Follow-Up & Support
If you have not received your Soil Health Card or found incorrect data:
- Contact your Block Agriculture Officer or District Soil Testing Laboratory.
- Lodge grievance via https://pgportal.gov.in
- Visit your nearest KVK or call the Agriculture Helpline: 📞 1800-180-1551
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Supervises scheme implementation |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Field-level coordination |
| Secretary (Agriculture & Farmers Welfare) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Policy & administrative oversight |
| DG, ICAR | Dr. Himanshu Pathak | Technical advisory on soil science |
| Director (Extension) | — | Coordination with KVKs & States |
FAQs
1. What is the validity of a Soil Health Card?
It remains valid for 2 years before fresh testing is recommended.
2. How much does it cost?
It is free of cost for farmers.
3. Can tenant farmers apply?
Yes, if they have valid cultivation proof or landowner’s consent.
4. How is the soil sample collected?
A trained official collects a composite sample from different points of the farm up to 15 cm depth.
5. What if my land fertility changes within two years?
You may request re-testing through your Agriculture Officer.