Why is it in the news?
- Soil Health Card Scheme completes 9 Years.
About Soil Health Card Scheme (SHCS)
- Launched in 2014-2015 to assist State Governments in issuing Soil Health Cards (SHCs).
- Promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) by advocating judicious use of chemical fertilizers, organic manures, and bio-fertilizers to improve soil health and productivity.
- It is a flagship program of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- It was integrated into the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Cafeteria Scheme as the Soil Health & Fertility component in 2022-23.
Functionality of SHC:
- Provides soil nutrient status to each farmer and advises on fertilizer dosage.
- Recommends soil amendments for long-term soil health maintenance.
- Includes information on 12 parameters: Micro-nutrients, Macro-nutrients, Secondary-nutrients, and Physical parameters.
- Issued to farmers once every 3 years, aiding in reducing production costs.
Implementation Strategy
- Implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all State and Union Territory Governments.
- Integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) system and supported by Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) for efficient implementation.
| Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (2007-08)
· Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at fostering agricultural development. · Ensures inclusive and integrated development of agriculture and allied sectors. · From 2022-23, RKVY was restructured into the RKVY Cafeteria Scheme. · Merged schemes of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, such as Rainfed Area Development and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, into the RKVY Cafeteria Scheme.
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