Executive Summary:
This document summarizes findings from studies on the Soil Health Fertility Scheme in India, including agroecological zones in Andhra Pradesh. Key findings relate to soil fertility trends, impact on agricultural output, and fertilizer usage. The document also outlines steps to enhance the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme and integrate soil health goals within existing agricultural frameworks. The document refers to studies conducted in 2017, with data collected from farmers and soil testing labs across multiple states.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Soil Health Studies:**
* National Productivity Council (NPC) study (2017) in 76 districts across 19 states found a decrease in chemical fertilizer use (8-10%) and a 5-6% increase in crop yield due to SHC recommendations.
* National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) study (2017) reported 62.8% of farmers using fertilizers as per SHC recommendations, resulting in reduced costs per acre (4-10%) and increased crop yields.
* Paddy farmers reduced urea usage by 9% and Diammonium Phosphate/Single Super Phosphate by 7%, but increased potassium usage by 20%.
* **Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme Enhancement:**
* States are linking SHCs to schemes like the National Mission of Edible Oil/Oilseeds and the National Mission on Natural Farming.
* Crop-wise fertilizer recommendations are given under SHC to promote region-specific soil nutrient restoration.
* Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are involved in disseminating knowledge about SHC recommendations.
Impact Analysis
Farmers:
* Impact: Farmers are directly impacted by the SHC scheme, receiving recommendations on fertilizer use based on soil analysis. The studies indicate potential for reduced fertilizer costs and increased crop yields.
* Action Required: Farmers should utilize the SHC recommendations to optimize fertilizer application, potentially reducing costs and improving yields.
State Governments:
* Impact: State governments are responsible for linking SHCs to other beneficiary-linked schemes and promoting region-specific soil nutrient restoration.
* Action Required: States should integrate SHCs with relevant agricultural schemes and ensure effective dissemination of soil health information.
Agricultural Extension Workers (ATMA, Krishi Vigyan Kendras):
* Impact: Extension workers play a crucial role in knowledge dissemination regarding SHC recommendations.
* Action Required: Extension workers should actively engage with farmers to promote SHC usage and provide guidance on soil nutrient management.
Key Entities Referenced
Andhra Pradesh: A state in India, specifically mentioned in relation to agroecological zones and soil health assessments.
Soil Health Card scheme: A government initiative to provide farmers with soil health information and recommendations for fertilizer use.
PMKISAN: A government scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) focused on providing income support to small and marginal farmers.
National Productivity Council NPC, New Delhi: An organization that conducted a study on soil testing infrastructure and the Soil Health Card scheme.
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management MANAGE, Hyderabad: An organization that conducted an impact study of the Soil Health Fertility Scheme.
Soil Health Fertility Scheme: A government initiative focused on improving soil health and fertility.
National Mission of Edible Oil Oilseeds: A government mission focused on increasing the production of edible oils and oilseeds.
Agricultural Technology Management Agency ATMA: An agency involved in knowledge dissemination to farmers about Soil Health Card recommendations.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 307
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22nd JULY, 2025
SOIL HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY
307. SHRI SRIBHARAT MATHUKUMILLI:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ(cid:874)ष एव ं (cid:873)कसान क(cid:227)याण मं(cid:287)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has conducted any recent studies on the status of soil
health inthe country, including specific assessments for agro-ecological zones in
Andhra Pradesh;
(b) if so, the details of key findings regarding soil fertility trends, organic carbon
depletion, micronutrient deficiencies and their impact on agricultural output in major
crops;
(c) whether the decline in soil health has affected input efficiency, long-term yield
sustainability or resilience to climate variability; and
(d) the steps being taken to enhance the effectiveness of the Soil Health Card
scheme, promote region-specific soil restoration practices and integrate soil health
goals within PM-KISAN, natural farming, and agri-extension frameworks?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृ(cid:874)ष एवं (cid:873)कसान क(cid:227)याण रा(cid:207)य म(cid:287)ं ी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)
(a) to (c): Government has conducted two studies on the status of Soil Health &
Fertility Scheme in the country including agro-ecological zones in Andhra Pradesh. The
key findings of these studies are as under:
National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi carried out a study 'Soil Testing
Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of Soil Health Card in India' in 2017 in 76 districts of
19 States covering 170 soil testing labs and 1700 farmers. As a result of application
of fertilizer and micro-nutrients as per the recommendations on the Soil Health Cards(SHCs), it was reported that there has been a decrease of use of chemical fertilizer
application in the range of 8-10%. Overall 5-6% increase in the yield of crops was
reported due to application of fertilizer and micro nutrients as per recommendations in
SHC.
An impact study of Soil Health & Fertility Scheme (November 2017) was conducted
by National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad.
As per report, about 62.8% of the farmers use fertilizers according to the
recommendations on the SHC (out of 3184 farmers in 199 villages). The costs
reduced per acre by 4 to 10 % due to low fertilizer use. Crop yields increased for
majority of the crops, although moderately. Two-thirds of the sample farmers
indicated that SHC is beneficial which an encouraging fact. Overall, paddy farmers
reduced use of urea by 9%, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)/Single Super Phosphate
by 7%, but increased use of Potassium by 20%. There was substantial decline in
fertilizer use especially urea and DAP in paddy and cotton resulted in decreased cost
of cultivation per unit area.
(d): States are linking SHCs to other beneficiary linked schemes also like, National
Mission of Edible Oil Oilseeds and National Mission on Natural Farming, to give farmers
nutrient status baseline data of soil. Crop-wise fertilizer recommendations is given under
SHC to promote region specific soil nutrient restoration. Agri-extension worker like
Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendras are also
involved in knowledge dissemination to farmers about SHC recommendations.
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