New Delhi: During the 1st Cycle (2015-16 & 2016-17) 253.49 lakh soil samples were collected and 1073.89 lakh soil health cards were distributed to farmers. During the 2nd Cycle (2017-18 & 2018-19) as on 11.12.2018, 255.48 lakh soil samples have been collected and 643.25 lakh soil health cards have been distributed to farmers.From 2014-15 to 2017-18, a sum of Rs.40677.00 lakh has been released to State Governments for implementation of the soil health card scheme.
National Productivity Council (NPC) has done a study on ‘Soil Testing Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of Soil Health Cards in India’ and found that as a result of application of fertilizers as per recommendations of soil health card, there is a decrease in use of chemical fertilizers in the range of 8-10% and increase in yield of crops to the tune of 5-6%.
All Crop development Directorates of department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) and Project Management Cell of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Division undertake field visits regularly to monitor the progress at field level.
The extension activities to help farmers after issue of soil health cards are farmers training, demonstration on farmer’s field, farmer’s mela/camps, promotion of micronutrients and workshops to be organized by State Governments.
This information was given by Minister of State for Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala.
