This document summarizes Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2617, answered on August 5, 2025, regarding sugarcane crop advisories in the Hatkanangale district. The question was posed by Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane, and the response was provided by Shri Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Key findings include:
* 4,566 Soil Health Cards (SHCs) have been distributed to sugarcane farmers in Hatkanangale taluka, Maharashtra.
* A 2017 study by the National Productivity Council (NPC), New Delhi, across 76 districts in 19 states (including Maharashtra), indicated that application of fertilizer and micronutrients based on SHC recommendations led to an 8-10% decrease in chemical fertilizer use and a 5-6% increase in crop yield. The Government of Maharashtra also confirmed that SHCs enabled farmers to use fertilizers in appropriate quantities, leading to increased production.
* Follow-up extension services in Maharashtra included field demonstrations of high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient sugarcane varieties; distribution of quality planting material (single bud chip technology, tissue culture plantlets/seedlings); promotion of sugarcane use as a biofuel and organic manure; support and subsidies for developing sugarcane nurseries; and workshops on interpreting SHCs, composting, residue management, and biofertilizer use.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: The Indian government ministry responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Sugarcane: A major crop discussed in the context of advisories, soil health cards, and extension services.
Shri Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane: A member of Lok Sabha who asked the question regarding sugarcane crop advisories.
Shri Ramnath Thakur: The Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare who provided the answer to the question.
Government of Maharashtra: The state government that provided information on the distribution of Soil Health Cards and extension services related to sugarcane.
Soil Health Card: A card provided to farmers with information on the nutrient status of their soil, along with recommendations for fertilizer use. (SHC)
National Productivity Council NPC, New Delhi: An organization that carried out a study on Soil Testing Infrastructure for Faster Delivery of SHC in India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2617
TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 05TH AUGUST, 2025
SUGARCANE CROP ADVISORIES
2617. SHRI DHAIRYASHEEL SAMBHAJIRAO MANE:
Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ(cid:874)ष एवं (cid:873)कसान क(cid:227)याण मं(cid:287)ी
be pleased to state:
(a) the details and number of farmers in Hatkanangale district who have received Soil
Health Cards with specific reference to sugarcane crop advisories;
(b) whether field-level implementation has resulted in improved yield or reduction in
fertilizer misuse if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of follow-up extension services provided to sugarcane farmers under this
initiative?
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): Government of Maharashtra has informed that 4,566 Soil Health Cards (SHCs)
have been distributed to sugarcane farmers in Hatkanangale taluka.
(b): 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 Maharashtra covering 170 soil testing labs and 1700 farmers. As a result of
application of fertilizer and micro-nutrients 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 micro
nutrients as per SHC. Government of Maharashtra has also informed that SHC has enabled
farmers to use fertilizers in the right quantities which result in increased production.
(c): State Government of Maharashtra has informed that extension services like field
demonstrations of high-yielding, disease-resistant and climate-resilient sugarcane varieties
were conducted. Distribution of quality planting material (e.g., single bud chip technology,
tissue culture plantlets/seedlings) are undertaken to ensure healthy crop. Sugarcane was
promoted to use as a biofuel and organic manure. Support and subsidies for developing
sugarcane nurseries were given to ensure availability of quality setts. Workshops were
conducted on interpreting Soil Health Cards and implementing its recommendations.
Sessions on composting, residue management and biofertilizer use were also conducted.
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