As the central government marks over a decade of sustained efforts under the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme, the initiative continues to play a transformative role in improving soil productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country. Launched in 2014-15, the scheme has made considerable progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, now completing 11 years in office.
To date, over 30 crore Soil Health Cards (SHCs) have been generated nationwide, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding fertilizer use and crop selection. The government has so far disbursed ₹1,706.18 crore to various States and Union Territories to implement the scheme.
In an effort to strengthen soil health diagnostics, 8,272 Soil Testing Laboratories have been established across the country. This includes 1,068 Static Soil Testing Labs, 163 Mobile Labs, 6,376 Mini Labs, and 665 Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VSTLs). These facilities have significantly enhanced the capacity for soil sample analysis, providing farmers with scientific assessments of their land’s fertility.
The Village-Level Soil Testing Labs, operating across 17 states, include those managed by entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), although a centralized data system for these labs has yet to be developed.
The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI), a key implementing agency under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, has also played a pivotal role in capacity building and technical training. It regularly conducts short-term training programs on a range of subjects including Soil Health Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Integrated Watershed Management, Geo-Spatial Technology, and Soil Survey & Mapping.
In 2024, SLUSI conducted training for officers from departments of Agriculture, Forest, and Soil & Water Conservation in West Bengal and North-Eastern states. In 2025, officers from the Agriculture Department of Jammu & Kashmir participated in the training initiative, equipping them with the latest tools and techniques in soil management and resource planning.
Further contributing to data-driven agricultural planning, SLUSI has completed soil mapping at a 1:10,000 scale for approximately 290 lakh hectares, covering 40 aspirational districts. These detailed maps support precise land-use planning and improved crop productivity.
To support farmers in optimizing fertilizer use, SLUSI has also produced 1,987 village-level soil fertility maps across 21 States and Union Territories. These maps are valuable tools in reducing input costs for farmers and improving soil sustainability.
As the Soil Health and Fertility Scheme enters its second decade, it continues to reinforce the government’s broader vision of doubling farmers’ income, improving environmental sustainability, and ensuring food security.
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