**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to Starred Question No. 140 in the Lok Sabha, addressing soil health and balanced fertilizer usage, to be answered on December 9, 2025. It outlines the government's initiatives, particularly the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, aimed at promoting judicious fertilizer use and improving soil health across the country. The document also provides details on Soil Health Card (SHC) generation, district-level pilot projects, and studies conducted on the impact of SHCs.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Soil Health & Fertility Scheme:**
* Implemented since 2014-15 to provide Soil Health Cards (SHCs) for all farm holdings.
* Aims to promote balanced and integrated nutrient management.
* Soil samples are analyzed for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur, and micronutrients.
* SHCs are issued at least once in 3 years.
* 25.61 crore SHCs have been generated/distributed since 2014-15.
* Rs. 1970 Crore fund has been released since inception.
* Various farmer training programs, demonstrations, and Kisan Melas have been organized.
* **SHC Generation Details:**
* In Dewas, 5970 SHCs have been distributed, and 39 training programs were conducted.
* In Shajapur, 10,828 SHCs have been distributed, and 21 training programs were conducted.
* **National Productivity Council (NPC) Study (2017):**
* Studied soil testing infrastructure in 76 districts across 19 states, including Madhya Pradesh.
* Application of fertilizer and micronutrients as per SHC recommendations resulted in an 8-10% decrease in chemical fertilizer application.
* A 5-6% increase in crop yield was reported.
* **MANAGE Impact Study (November 2017):**
* 62.8% of farmers use fertilizers according to SHC recommendations.
* Cost per acre reduced by 4-10% due to lower fertilizer use.
* Crop yields increased moderately.
* Paddy farmers reduced urea use by 9% and DAP/Single Super Phosphate by 7%, while increasing Potassium use by 20%.
* **E-Token Based Fertilizer Distribution (Madhya Pradesh):**
* Pilot project initiated on October 1, 2025, in Shajahpur, Vidisha, and Jabalpur districts.
* Aims to ensure timely, transparent, and efficient fertilizer supply through Agristack registration and e-tokens.
* Sellers provide fertilizer after scanning tokens with a mobile app to prevent misuse.
* Stock availability is updated online for real-time monitoring.
* **Fertilizer Subsidies:**
* No pilot projects or reviews have been undertaken to link fertilizer subsidies with soil health-based recommendations in the region.
* **State-wise SHC Generation (2025-26):**
* 55.64 lakh SHCs have been generated across the country.
* 11,55,156 SHCs in Uttar Pradesh.
* 3,23,952 SHCs in Rajasthan.
* 24,400 SHCs in Bulandshahr.
* **Annexures:**
* Annexure-I: State-wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 (as on 04.12.2025).
* Annexure-II: District-wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 in Rajasthan.
* Annexure-III: District-wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 in Uttar Pradesh.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers:**
* **Impact:** Improved soil health, optimized fertilizer usage, reduced cost of cultivation, and potentially increased crop yields through SHC-based recommendations. E-token based distribution aims to increase convenience and transparency.
* **Action Required:** Register through Agristack to receive e-tokens for fertilizer, and utilize SHCs to inform fertilizer application decisions.
**State Governments (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Others):**
* **Impact:** Required to implement and oversee Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, including generating and distributing SHCs.
* **Action Required:** Generate and distribute Soil Health Cards. Implement pilot projects to improve distribution and awareness.
**Government of India (Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare):**
* **Impact:** Responsible for funding and monitoring the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme and assessing its impact.
* **Action Required:** Continue funding and monitoring SHC and other programs.
Key Entities Referenced
Soil Health & Fertility Scheme: A government scheme implemented to provide Soil Health Cards (SHCs) to farmers and promote balanced fertilizer application.
Soil Health Cards (SHCs): Documents providing soil health information and fertilizer recommendations to farmers.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The central government ministry responsible for agricultural policies and programs, including soil health initiatives.
Madhya Pradesh: Indian state, focus of a case study in the assessment of fertilizer use imbalance and pilot projects for e-token fertilizer distribution.
Rajasthan: Indian state, included in the scope of the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme and SHC generation program.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 140
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 09TH DECEMBER, 2025
SOIL HEALTH AND BALANCED FERTILIZER USAGE
*140. SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH SOLANKY:
DR. BHOLA SINGH
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has undertaken any recent assessment to determine the
extent of imbalance in fertiliser use across States and its impact on soil health in Madhya
Pradesh, particularly in Dewas and ShajapurLok Sabha constituency, if so, the details
thereof;
(b) the latest measures being implemented to promote balanced fertiliser application,
including through Soil Health Cards or other advisory systems in the region;
(c) whether any new initiatives have been launched to reduce excessive fertiliser usage
and improve nutrient management practices in the Dewas and ShajapurLok Sabha
constituencies, if so, the details thereof;
(d) the details of any pilot projects or reviews undertaken to link fertiliser subsidies with soil
health-based recommendations in the region; and
(e) whether any district-level pilot projects demonstrations or soil health assessments have
been undertaken, State and district-wise including Rajasthan and Bulandshahr district
of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
कृ िष एवं िकसान क(cid:670)ाण मं(cid:361)ी (SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN)
(a) to (e) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING “SOIL
HEALTH AND BALANCED FERTILIZER USAGE”
(a) & (b): No such assessment has been undertaken by Government to determine the
extent of imbalance in fertilizer use across states and its impact on Soil health in Madhya
Pradesh particularly in Dewas and Shajapur constituency. However, Government promotes
judicious use of fertilizer through Soil Health & Fertility scheme. The schemeis being
implemented since 2014-15 to provide Soil Health Cards (SHCs) for all farm holdings, to
promote balanced and integrated nutrient management for improving productivity and soil
fertility. Soil samples are processed as per standard procedures and analyzed for parameters
such as pH, Electrical Conductivity, Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
Potassium, Sulphur, and micronutrients (Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese & Boron). The
diagnostic soil health assessment of farmer fields is taken up periodically so as to issue SHCs
at least once in 3 years.
Since 2014-15, 25.61 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated/ distributed as on
date across the country. Under the scheme, Rs. 1970 Crore fund has been released so far
since inception. 93781 farmer’s trainings, 6.80 lakh demonstrations, 7425 farmer’s melas/
campaigns on soil health card recommendations have been organized across the country. In
Dewas, total 5970 SHCs have been distributed and 39 training/seminar/KisanMela organized
on balanced use of fertilizer during 2025-26. Similarly, in Shajapur, 10,828 SHCs have
distributed and 21 training/seminar/KisanMela organized on balanced use of fertilizer during
2025-26.
National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi carried out a study 'Soil Testing
Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of SHC in India' in 2017 in 76 districts of 19 States including
Madhya Pradesh covering 170 soil testing labs and 1700 farmers. As a result of application of
fertilizer and micronutrients as per SHC recommendations, there has been a decrease of use
of chemical fertilizer application in the range of 8-10% was found. Overall 5-6% increase in the
yield of crops was reported, due to application of fertilizer and micronutrients as per 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. The cost per acre reduced by 4 to 10 % due to low fertilizer use. Crop yields increased
for majority of the crops, although moderately. Overall, paddy farmers reduced use of urea by9%, 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.
(c): The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has informed a pilot project on e-token–
based fertilizer distribution system has been initiatedin the districts of Shajahpur, Vidisha and
Jabalpur from 01.10.2025. The aim of this pilot project is to ensure timely, transparent and
efficient supply of fertilizers to farmers. Under this system, farmers register through Agristack
and receive e-tokens specifying the date and quantity of fertilizer they can lift. Sellers provide
fertilizer only after scanning the token through a mobile app, ensuring accuracy and preventing
misuse. Stock availability at rake points, wholesalers, cooperatives and Primary Agricultural
Credit Societies is updated online for real-time monitoring. District officials oversee
implementation, while awareness is spread through SMS and media. This initiative streamlines
distribution and significantly improves farmer convenience and transparency.
(d): Government of Madhya Pradesh has informed that no such pilot projects or reviews
have been undertaken to link fertiliser subsidies with soil health-based recommendations in
the region.
(e): Under Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, soil health assessment is undertaken regularly
through generation of SHCs. This year during 2025-26, so far 55.64 lakh SHCs have been
generated across the country including Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. State-wise details are at
Annexure-I. Out of these, 11,55,156 SHCs have been generated in Uttar Pradesh and
3,23,952 SHCs have been generated in Rajasthan. In Bulandshahr, 24,400 SHCs have been
generated. Details of district wise generation of SHCs during 2024-25 in Rajasthan and Uttar
Pradesh are at Annexure-II and III respectively.ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF PART (e) OF THE OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING “SOIL
HEALTH AND BALANCED FERTILIZER USAGE”
Annexure-I
State –wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 (as on 04.12.2025)
State Soil Health Card Generated
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR 1731
ANDHRA PRADESH 400790
ARUNACHAL PRADESH 12969
ASSAM 111430
BIHAR 176125
CHHATTISGARH 210670
GOA 4579
GUJARAT 302166
HARYANA 221400
HIMACHAL PRADESH 47889
JAMMU & KASHMIR 57615
JHARKHAND 137233
KARNATAKA 211559
KERALA 41706
LADAKH 0
MADHYA PRADESH 715595
MAHARASHTRA 439535
MANIPUR 3
MEGHALAYA 4550
MIZORAM 1375
NAGALAND 78665
ODISHA 163745
PUDUCHERRY 600
PUNJAB 142616
RAJASTHAN 323878
SIKKIM 11586
TAMIL NADU 282131
TELANGANA 71818
TRIPURA 8738
UTTAR PRADESH 1155146
UTTARAKHAND 41768
WEST BENGAL 184916
Total 5564527
(Source- Soil Health Card portal of Govt. of India)ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF PART (e) OF THE OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.*140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING “SOIL
HEALTH AND BALANCED FERTILIZER USAGE”
(Annexure-II)
District –wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 (as on 04.12.2025) in
Rajasthan
Districts of Rajasthan SHC generated
AJMER 4627
Beawar 3805
JAIPUR 32345
DAUSA 14685
TONK 13066
BANSWARA 3328
DUNGARPUR 2968
PRATAPGARH 2973
UDAIPUR 4303
Salumbar 3283
BARAN 5551
BUNDI 9899
JHALAWAR 8283
KOTA 8234
Balotra 2361
JODHPUR 13594
Phalodi 0
BHARATPUR 9113
Deeg 4086
ALWAR 10298
Kotputli-Behror 4013
Khairthal-Tijara 3558
DHOLPUR 6701
KARAULI 6999
SAWAI MADHOPUR 17322
BHILWARA 6835
CHITTORGARH 13157
RAJSAMAND 9243
PALI 7476
SIROHI 3726
JALORE 3815
JHUNJHUNU 11609
NAGAUR 6342DidwanaKuchaman 3333
SIKAR 6133
BIKANER 8404
CHURU 15879
JAISALMER 7102
HANUMANGARH 14526
GANGANAGAR 7832
BARMER 1963
Jodhpur Gramin 900
Jaipur Gramin 232
Gangapurcity 31
Shahpura 0
Kekri 0
Neem Ka Thana 19
Total 323952
(Source- Soil Health Card portal of Govt. of India)ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY OF PART (e) OF THE OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO.*140 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09TH DECEMBER, 2025 REGARDING “SOIL
HEALTH AND BALANCED FERTILIZER USAGE”
Annexure-III
District –wise details of Soil Health Card generation during 2025-26 (as on 04.12.2025) in Uttar
Pradesh
Districts of Uttar Pradesh SHCs generated
SAHARANPUR 15400
MUZAFFARNAGAR 12880
SHAMLI 7101
MEERUT 18087
BAGHPAT 8430
BULANDSHAHR 24400
GHAZIABAD 5700
GAUTAM BUDDHA NAGAR 2840
HAPUR 5500
HATHRAS 10500
Kasganj 9830
AGRA 20950
MATHURA 13988
FIROZABAD 12550
MAINPURI 12600
BAREILLY 21012
BUDAUN 21000
SHAHJAHANPUR 21000
ALIGARH 16787
ETAH 11200
MORADABAD 11200
AMROHA 8400
RAMPUR 8400
SAMBHAL 11200
FARRUKHABAD 9800
KANNAUJ 11204
ETAWAH 12300
AURAIYA 9802
KANPUR NAGAR 14000
KANPUR DEHAT 14300
FATEHPUR 18208
PRAYAGRAJ 32293
KAUSHAMBI 11211
PRATAPGARH 23796JHANSI 9586
LALITPUR 8400
JALAUN 12400
HAMIRPUR 10800
MAHOBA 5600
BANDA 11223
CHITRAKOOT 6932
VARANASI 11150
CHANDAULI 12550
GHAZIPUR 22400
JAUNPUR 29403
MIRZAPUR 16901
SONBHADRA 14000
BHADOHI 8400
AZAMGARH 30736
MAU 12590
BALLIA 19147
GORAKHPUR 27368
MAHARAJGANJ 16800
DEORIA 22398
KUSHI NAGAR 19800
BASTI 19665
SIDDHARTH NAGAR 19806
SANT KABEER NAGAR 12400
LUCKNOW 11300
UNNAO 21800
RAE BARELI 25200
SITAPUR 27099
HARDOI 26500
KHERI 21000
AYODHYA 15435
AMBEDKAR NAGAR 12600
SULTANPUR 19601
BARABANKI 21000
Amethi 18497
GONDA 22400
BALRAMPUR 12600
BAHRAICH 19500
SHRAVASTI 7000
BIJNOR 15500
PILIBHIT 9800
Total 1155156
(Source- Soil Health Card portal of Govt. of India)
*******