The Soil Health Card Scheme, implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, provides farmers with a report on the condition of their soil. The card covers 12 soil health parameters and recommends suitable fertilizers and their quantities. Farmers generally receive a new card once every 3 years and do not need to submit a separate application.
Soil Health Card Scheme Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Soil Health Card Scheme (Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa) |
| Launched | 19 February 2015, by the Government of India |
| Implementing Department | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in coordination with State Agriculture Departments |
| Part of | Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), under the Soil Health and Fertility component, since 2022-23 |
| Scheme Type | Soil testing and fertilizer recommendations for farmers; not a direct cash benefit scheme |
| Objective | To help farmers understand their soil’s nutrient status and apply suitable fertilizers in the recommended quantities |
| Who Can Get It | Farmers, including small, marginal and large farmers, for their land holdings |
| Parameters Tested | 12: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon |
| Card Frequency | Once every 3 years, according to the scheme guidelines |
| Who Collects the Sample | State Government officials or authorised agencies |
| When the Sample Is Collected | After the Rabi or Kharif harvest, or when no crop is standing in the field |
| Soil Sampling Method | From a depth of 15 to 20 cm using a V-shaped cut at different points in the field |
| Sampling Grid | One sample for every 2.5 hectares in irrigated areas and 10 hectares in rainfed areas |
| Testing and Quality Checks | Approved soil testing laboratories test the samples. Selected samples are also cross-checked through another laboratory |
| Cost Per Sample | ₹190, provided by the Central Government to cover sample collection, testing, card generation and distribution |
| Languages | 22 languages, 5 dialects and local units |
| Cards Generated and Distributed | About 24.74 crore by February 2025 and more than 25 crore distributed by July 2025 |
| Soil Testing Laboratories | 8,272 in total: 1,068 static labs, 163 mobile labs, 6,376 mini labs and 665 village-level labs |
| Village-Level Fertility Maps | 1,987 maps prepared across 21 States and Union Territories |
| School Soil Health Programme | 1,021 schools and 1,32,525 students, according to Government figures as of 24 July 2025 |
| How to Check Your Card | Through the official portal using the available search options, including mobile number or farmer’s name |
| How to Apply | No separate application is required. Contact your local agriculture office for the soil sampling schedule |
| Portal Helpdesk | Phone: +91 93427 69256; Email: soilhealthcard.support@krishitantra.com |
| Kisan Call Centre | 1800-180-1551 (toll-free number) |
| Official Websites | Soil Health Card Portal and Press Information Bureau |
Introduction of Soil Health Card Scheme: A Brief Insight
Many farmers apply fertilizers without knowing exactly what their soil needs. As a result, some fields receive too much of one nutrient and too little of another. The Soil Health Card Scheme helps farmers understand the actual condition of their soil and apply the right nutrients in the recommended quantities.
The Government of India launched the scheme on 19 February 2015, under the slogan “Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa”, which means healthy earth, green farm.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, implements the scheme in coordination with the agriculture departments of the States. Since 2022-23, the scheme has been part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) under the Soil Health and Fertility component.
The main objective is to provide farmers with a report on the health of their soil. This helps them choose suitable fertilizers, reduce unnecessary input costs, improve crop productivity and maintain soil fertility over time.
The Soil Health Card tests 12 parameters: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon. Based on these results, it provides recommendations on the nutrients and fertilizers required by the crops, along with their suggested quantities.
Farmers receive a new card once every 3 years, according to the official scheme guidelines. This allows them to track changes in soil health over time. The card is available in 22 languages, and farmers can search for it on the official portal using their mobile number or name.
The Government reported that the scheme had generated about 24.74 crore Soil Health Cards by February 2025 and distributed more than 25 crore cards by July 2025. It had also established a network of 8,272 soil testing laboratories across the country by February 2025.
Every farmer, including small, marginal and large farmers, can benefit from the scheme for their land holdings. The published scheme guidelines do not prescribe an income or age limit for receiving a Soil Health Card.
Farmers do not need to fill out a separate application form. Authorised officials collect soil samples from their fields after the harvest, generally from a depth of 15 to 20 cm, and send them to approved laboratories for testing. The Central Government provides ₹190 per sample to cover collection, testing, card generation and distribution. Farmers can access their cards through the official portal.
For assistance, farmers can contact their block agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). They can also call the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551 for agricultural guidance. Contact the local agriculture office to find out when officials will collect soil samples in your village.
Farmers who want to follow the fertilizer recommendations on their Soil Health Card can also read about the Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme, which helps them purchase urea and other fertilizers at affordable prices. Those looking for annual income support can explore the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
Farmers who want to protect their crops against losses can explore the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Those who need financial assistance for agricultural expenses, such as seeds and fertilizers, can learn about the Kisan Credit Card Scheme.
Farmers interested in organic farming can explore the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Those who need better irrigation facilities and water management for their fields can read about the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Farmers, agricultural workers, rural families and others looking for agriculture, soil health and farm input support can explore the available programmes on our Central Government Welfare Schemes page.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
Farmers often apply fertilizers based on their usual practices rather than the actual needs of their soil. The Soil Health Card Scheme helps them understand the nutrient status of their fields and apply the right nutrients in the recommended quantities. The following benefits explain how the scheme supports better soil management and farming practices.
A Report on Your Own Field
- You receive a card for each of your land holdings, which provides information about the soil health of that particular field
- The card tests 12 parameters: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur (major and secondary nutrients); zinc, iron, copper, manganese and boron (micronutrients); and pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon (other important soil health indicators)
- The card provides recommendations on the fertilizers, nutrients and soil amendments your crops need, along with their suggested quantities
- The card follows a standard format and is available in 22 languages, 5 dialects and local units, making the recommendations easier for farmers to understand
What You Gain in the Field
- You learn which nutrients your soil lacks and receive recommendations on suitable crops and nutrient management practices
- You can apply the right fertilizer in the right quantity instead of adding nutrients that your soil already has in sufficient amounts
- You can reduce the cost of cultivation by avoiding unnecessary fertilizer use and following soil-based recommendations
- You can improve crop growth and potentially increase crop yield by addressing nutrient deficiencies and maintaining soil fertility
- You get a useful record of your soil’s health, which helps you plan fertilizer use and manage your farmland more effectively
A Record That Grows With Time
- You receive a new Soil Health Card once every 3 years, according to the official scheme guidelines
- The card issued in the next cycle helps you understand how your soil health has changed over time and whether your soil management practices are working
- You can access your previous soil health information through the official portal, so you can refer to your records when needed
Tools on the Official Portal
- You can search for your Soil Health Card using your mobile number or the farmer’s name on the portal
- The portal provides a Fertiliser Guide to help you understand fertilizer requirements and select suitable nutrients for your field
- The portal provides training videos covering scheme implementation, soil sample collection and soil health analysis
- You can access information about soil testing progress and soil nutrient status through the portal
The Reach of the Scheme
- The Government reported that the scheme had generated about 24.74 crore Soil Health Cards by February 2025 and distributed more than 25 crore cards by July 2025
- By February 2025, the country had 8,272 soil testing laboratories, including 1,068 static labs, 163 mobile labs, 6,376 mini labs and 665 village-level labs
- The Government had prepared 1,987 village-level soil fertility maps covering 21 States and Union Territories
- The Government had completed soil mapping across approximately 290 lakh hectares in 40 aspirational districts
Soil Health for Students and Rural Youth
- Rural youth, Self Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organisations, schools and agricultural universities can participate in setting up village-level soil testing laboratories under the scheme’s guidelines
- Under the School Soil Health Programme, students from Classes 6 to 12 learn how to collect soil samples, test them and generate Soil Health Cards
- According to Government figures reported on 24 July 2025, 1,021 schools were implementing the programme, and 1,32,525 students had enrolled
Good to Know
- The Central Government provides ₹190 per soil sample to State Governments. This amount covers sample collection, testing, Soil Health Card generation and distribution
- The card provides soil-based recommendations rather than direct financial assistance. You receive its benefit by making better fertilizer and soil management decisions
- Follow the recommendations given on your card. If you do not understand any nutrient level or fertilizer recommendation, contact your local agriculture officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Do not pay anyone for a Soil Health Card
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
The Soil Health Card Scheme aims to provide farmers across India with information about the nutrient status of their soil and suitable fertilizer recommendations. The scheme covers farmers in all States and Union Territories. The official guidelines do not specify an income, age or caste-based eligibility limit. Check the following points to understand how the scheme covers your land and when you can receive a Soil Health Card.
Who the Scheme Is Meant For
- The scheme covers farmers across India, including small, marginal and large farmers in all States and Union Territories
- A farmer can receive a separate Soil Health Card for each land holding, as the report records the soil condition of that particular holding
- The official scheme guidelines do not prescribe an income, age or caste-based eligibility limit for farmers
How Often You Get a Card
- A farmer receives a Soil Health Card once every 3 years, according to the official scheme guidelines
- The card issued in the next three-year cycle helps farmers understand changes in soil health over time
- The State Government manages soil sampling and implementation in its area. Therefore, the timing of sample collection and card distribution may vary between villages and States
When and How the Sample Is Taken
- The State Government collects soil samples through its Agriculture Department staff or an authorised outsourced agency. Farmers do not need to apply separately for sample collection
- Officials generally collect samples after the Rabi or Kharif harvest, or when no crop is standing in the field
- They collect one sample for each grid of 2.5 hectares in irrigated areas and 10 hectares in rainfed areas, using GPS tools and revenue maps
- A trained person collects soil from a depth of 15 to 20 cm using a V-shaped cut. The collection covers four corners and the centre of the field, and the soil is mixed before preparing the sample
- An approved Soil Testing Laboratory analyses the sample for 12 soil parameters and records the results for generating the Soil Health Card
Who Is Not Eligible
- The official scheme guidelines do not specify any particular category of farmers as excluded from the scheme
- If officials have not collected a sample from your field, your Soil Health Card may not be available yet. Contact your local agriculture office to check the sampling schedule for your village
- A sample collected independently by a farmer does not automatically qualify for a Soil Health Card under the Government scheme. The sample must follow the prescribed process and be tested through the scheme’s authorised system
Check Before You Wait
- Contact your local agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra to find out when officials will collect soil samples in your village
- Search for your Soil Health Card on the official portal using your mobile number or farmer’s name, if the card has already been generated
- Keep your plot details and crop history ready so that officials can record the correct field information and provide suitable recommendations
- Do not pay anyone for a Soil Health Card. The Government provides funds to cover soil sample collection, testing, card generation and distribution
Documents Required to be Attached
The Soil Health Card Scheme provides farmers with a report on the health of their soil. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare implements the scheme. Farmers do not need to submit a separate application or a set of documents because authorised officers collect soil samples directly from their fields. However, keeping the following details ready can help ensure that the soil sample is recorded correctly and the card reaches you without delay.
- Your mobile number, as you can use it to search for your Soil Health Card on the official portal
- Your name as recorded in your village records, since you can also search for your card using the farmer’s name
- Details of your plot, such as the survey number or Khasra number, village name and field area, so that officers can record the soil sample against the correct plot
- Your crop history, including the crop you grew previously and the crop you plan to grow next, so that the officers can provide suitable recommendations
- The date of your harvest, as officers generally collect soil samples after the Rabi or Kharif harvest, or when no crop is standing in the field
- A person familiar with the field, such as you or a family member, who can help officers identify the exact plot and its boundaries
What You Do Not Need
- You do not need to submit a separate application, as authorised officers or Government-appointed agencies collect soil samples directly from the field
- You do not need to carry a soil sample yourself. However, if you want to submit one through a nearby soil testing laboratory, its staff can guide you on the correct collection process
- You do not need to pay a fee for the Soil Health Card. The Central Government provides ₹190 per sample to cover its collection, testing, card preparation and delivery
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
You do not need to fill out an application form to get a Soil Health Card. Government officials or authorised agencies collect soil samples directly from farmers’ fields and send them to approved laboratories for testing. The laboratory checks the soil and uploads the results to the official portal, where you can access your card. Think of it as a health check-up for your field. The card tells you what your soil needs and which nutrients you should add. Follow these simple steps to understand the complete process.
Before the Officers Come
Step 1: Contact your local agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) to find out when officials plan to collect soil samples in your village.
Step 2: Keep your plot details ready, including the survey number or Khasra number, village name and field area.
Step 3: Note down which crop you grew previously and which crop you plan to grow next. Officials may need these details to prepare suitable recommendations.
Step 4: Keep your mobile number and name as recorded in the village records. You may need these details to search for your Soil Health Card on the portal.
Step 5: Visit the About Us page of the Soil Health Card portal to understand the scheme and the information provided on the card.
When the Officers Come to Your Field
Step 1: Meet the officials when they visit your village and show them the field from which they need to collect the soil sample.
Step 2: Allow them to collect the sample after the Rabi or Kharif harvest, or when no crop is standing in the field. This is the sampling period specified under the scheme.
Step 3: Show them the exact plot and its boundaries so that they collect and record the sample against the correct field.
Step 4: The officials collect soil from a depth of 15 to 20 cm using a V-shaped cut. They take small portions from the four corners and the centre of the field to prepare a representative sample.
Step 5: Tell them which crop you grew last and which crop you plan to grow next. These details help them prepare recommendations according to your farming needs.
Step 6: Ask for the sample number or acknowledgement, if available. The sample may also carry a QR code that helps link it with its test results.
While the Lab Tests Your Soil
Step 1: Wait while an approved soil testing laboratory examines your sample for 12 soil health parameters.
Step 2: The laboratory records the test results on the national portal. The Government also provides for quality checks, including the cross-checking of selected samples through another laboratory.
Step 3: Visit the Scheme Progress page to check the progress of soil testing under the scheme.
See Your Card on the Official Portal
Step 1: Open the Soil Health Card section of the official portal on your mobile phone or computer.
Step 2: Select the available search option, such as searching by mobile number or farmer’s name.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number or farmer’s name according to the details available in the records, and click the search button.
Step 4: If your card appears in the search results, open it to check the soil test report. You can read it online or save a copy for future use.
Step 5: If you find the online process difficult, ask a family member, a friend, a Common Service Centre (CSC) or your local agriculture office for help.
Read Your Card
Step 1: Check the results for all 12 soil parameters: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon.
Step 2: Look at the nutrient levels marked as low or deficient. These indicate which nutrients your soil may need.
Step 3: Read the recommendations carefully. Your card tells you which fertilizers or nutrients your crop needs and the suggested quantity.
Step 4: If you do not understand any nutrient level or recommendation, ask your local agriculture officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra to explain it.
Use the Advice in Your Field
Step 1: Visit the Fertiliser Guide on the official portal to understand the recommended nutrients and their quantities for your crop.
Step 2: Buy the fertilizers recommended on your card and keep the purchase bill. You can also read our Fertilizer Subsidy Scheme article to understand how farmers can purchase fertilizers at subsidised prices.
Step 3: Apply fertilizers in the quantities recommended on your Soil Health Card. Avoid using more fertilizer than your soil and crop need.
Step 4: Observe your crop throughout the season and note its performance and yield. You can compare these details with the recommendations on your next Soil Health Card.
If Your Card Is Not There
Step 1: Check whether you entered your mobile number or farmer’s name correctly. Try the other available search option if your card does not appear.
Step 2: Contact your local agriculture office and ask whether officials have collected a soil sample from your field.
Step 3: Meet your block agriculture officer or visit your Krishi Vigyan Kendra to find out when soil sampling will take place in your village.
Step 4: If officials have already collected your sample but your card is still unavailable, report the problem through the Report an Issue section of the official portal.
If You Need Help
Step 1: Contact your local agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra for help with soil sample collection, card availability or fertilizer recommendations.
Step 2: Watch the training videos available on the Resources page of the Soil Health Card portal to understand the scheme and its working process.
Important: Farmers do not need to submit a separate application or pay a fee to receive a Soil Health Card. Contact your local agriculture office to check the soil sampling schedule for your village and visit the official portal to access your card. Do not pay anyone for issuing a Soil Health Card.
How to Read Your Soil Health Card: What Each Test Means
Your Soil Health Card contains the results of 12 soil tests. Each test tells you something different about your field, such as nutrient levels, soil acidity and salt content. Understanding these results helps you know what your soil needs. Read the table below to understand what each test means. If you find any figure difficult to understand, ask your local agriculture officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra for help.
| Test | What It Shows | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | The amount of nitrogen available in the soil for plant growth | Nitrogen helps plants develop green leaves and stems. A shortage can slow down plant growth |
| Phosphorus (P) | The amount of phosphorus available for plants to absorb | Phosphorus supports healthy root development, flowering and seed formation |
| Potassium (K) | The amount of available potassium, commonly called potash, in the soil | Potassium helps plants manage water, withstand stress and maintain healthy growth |
| Sulphur (S) | The amount of sulphur available in the soil | Sulphur supports protein formation and oil production, making it important for crops such as oilseeds and pulses |
| Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese and Boron | The levels of five essential micronutrients that plants need in small quantities | A shortage of even one micronutrient can affect plant growth and crop development, even when the soil appears healthy |
| pH | Whether the soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline | Soil pH affects how easily plants can absorb nutrients. Highly acidic or alkaline soil can make some nutrients less available to crops |
| Electrical Conductivity (EC) | The level of soluble salts present in the soil | High salt levels can make it difficult for seeds to germinate and roots to absorb water |
| Organic Carbon (OC) | The amount of organic carbon present in the soil, which indicates its organic matter status | Organic carbon supports soil fertility, improves soil structure and helps maintain healthy soil activity. Adding suitable organic manure and compost can help improve it |
Use your Soil Health Card along with the Fertiliser Guide on the official portal to understand the recommended nutrients and fertilizer quantities for your crop. Do not decide how much fertilizer to apply based on one test result alone. Follow the complete recommendations on your card and seek advice from an agriculture officer if needed.
Important Links Available of the Scheme
- Soil Health Card official portal, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
- Search and view your Soil Health Card using your mobile number or farmer’s name
- About the Soil Health Card Scheme (Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa)
- Fertiliser Guide: Check recommended nutrients and fertilizer quantities for crops
- Check Soil Health Card Scheme progress and soil testing activities
- Training videos and learning resources on soil sampling and soil health analysis
- PIB Explainer: Soil Health Card Scheme and distribution of over 25 crore cards
- PIB Release: Implementation of the Soil Health Card Scheme, soil testing laboratories and funds released to States
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Portal Helpdesk Phone: +91 93427 69256
- Portal Helpdesk Email: soilhealthcard.support@krishitantra.com
- Kisan Call Centre: 1800-180-1551, a toll free number for farmers, which works from mobile phones and landlines
- Department: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
- Block Agriculture Office: The agriculture office of your block, for the date of the soil sampling in your village
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra of your district, for advice on how to use your card
- Report a Problem: The Report an Issue facility on the official portal, for a card that does not show
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ans. It is a Government of India initiative that provides farmers with a report on the nutrient status of their soil. The card also recommends suitable fertilizers, nutrients and their quantities to help farmers maintain soil health.
Ans. The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, implements the scheme in coordination with the agriculture departments of State and Union Territory Governments. Visit the official Soil Health Card portal.
Ans. The Government of India launched the Soil Health Card Scheme on 19 February 2015 under the slogan “Swasth Dharaa, Khet Haraa”, which means healthy earth, green farm.
Ans. No. Farmers do not need to submit a separate application. State Government officials or authorised agencies collect soil samples from their fields, and approved laboratories test them to generate the card. Contact your local agriculture office to know when officials will visit your village.
Ans. The Soil Health Card covers 12 parameters: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, boron, pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon.
Ans. Under the original scheme guidelines, farmers receive a Soil Health Card once every 3 years for each land holding. The card issued in the next cycle helps track changes in soil health.
Ans. Officials generally collect samples after the Rabi or Kharif harvest, or when no crop is standing in the field. They collect soil from a depth of 15 to 20 cm using a V-shaped cut at different points in the field.
Ans. The sampling guidelines provide for one sample per 2.5 hectares in irrigated areas and 10 hectares in rainfed areas. Officials use GPS tools and revenue maps to identify the sampling grids.
Ans. Visit the official Soil Health Card portal and use the available search option to look for your card by mobile number or farmer’s name.
Ans. Farmers do not have to pay for the card. The Central Government provides ₹190 per soil sample to State Governments to cover sample collection, testing, card generation and distribution. Do not pay anyone for issuing a Soil Health Card.
Ans. The Government reported that 24.74 crore cards had been generated by February 2025. By July 2025, more than 25 crore cards had been distributed. The Government had also established 8,272 soil testing laboratories across the country by February 2025.
Ans. Check your mobile number or farmer’s name and try the available search options again. If your card still does not appear, contact your local agriculture office to confirm whether officials have collected your soil sample. You can also report the problem through the Report an Issue section of the official portal.
Ans. It is an initiative that teaches students of Classes 6 to 12 about soil health, sample collection and soil testing. According to Government figures, 1,021 schools were implementing the programme and 1,32,525 students had enrolled by 24 July 2025.
Ans. Contact your local agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for help with soil sampling and card availability. You can also call the Kisan Call Centre at 1800-180-1551 for agricultural guidance or use the helpdesk on the official Soil Health Card portal.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.