Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC)

September 23, 2025

Introduction

The Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC) is an Indian agriculture scheme launched by the Government of India on 19 February 2015 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The idea came because soils across farms had declining fertility, nutrient imbalance, and many farmers were using too much (or wrong) fertilisers without knowing what their soil really needed. SHC gives farmers a report on their soil’s condition – macro-nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium; micro-nutrients; pH, organic carbon etc. Based on that, farmers receive recommendations on what fertilisers or soil amendments to use.

The scheme’s target group is farmers across India. There are no elite eligibility criteria – it is meant for all farmers to help improve soil health, reduce costs, and boost productivity.

What this really means is: by knowing exactly what your soil needs (or doesn’t), you avoid wasteful spending, avoid harming the soil, and grow more in a sustainable way. The benefits are better crop yields, lower input cost, and healthier land over the years.

Overview of the Scheme

The Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC) was launched by the Government of India, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in February 2015. Its aim is to help farmers know the nutrient status of their soil and get advice on what fertilisers, organic inputs or soil amendments they need.

Implementing agencies

The central nodal agency is the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
State governments’ Agriculture / Farmers Welfare Departments carry out implementation on the ground (soil sample collection, testing labs etc.).
Institutions like Soil Testing Laboratories (static, mobile, mini, village-level), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are involved.
Village Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) set up in recent years under scheme guidelines; they can be run by rural youth entrepreneurs, SHGs, schools, FPOs etc.

Funding pattern

The scheme is funded jointly by Centre and States. For most States the sharing is 60:40 (Centre : State).
For North Eastern States and Himalayan States the sharing pattern is 90:10.
For Union Territories, the Centre bears 100% of the cost.
The Government of India provides payment of Rs. 190 per soil sample to cover sample collection, testing, issuing the soil health card etc.

Coverage / components

The SHC Scheme covers:

Soil sampling, testing (12 parameters including macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients, pH, organic carbon etc.)
Recommendations for fertilizer dosage and soil amendments based on test results.
Setting up and strengthening soil testing infrastructure (static labs, mobile labs, mini labs, village-level labs)
Training / capacity building for agriculture extension staff, lab staff, farmers.
Awareness programmes via Mobile Soil Testing Van campaigns, advisories etc.
A newer component: School Soil Health Programme, to involve students and schools to spread awareness.

Current status

The scheme is ongoing.
In 2022-23, SHC was merged under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as a component called “Soil Health & Fertility”.
As of early 2025, over 25 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed across India.
Infrastructure expansion: by February 2025, there are over 8,200 Soil Testing Laboratories (static, mobile, mini, village-level) across India and 665 VLSTLs in 17 states.

Objectives

Issue soil health cards every two years to all farmers so that they know the nutrient status of their soil.
Strengthen soil testing laboratories, by building their capacity, linking them with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and involving agriculture students.
Diagnose soil fertility constraints uniformly across states, using standardised sampling and testing procedures, and prepare block- or taluka-level fertilizer recommendations.
Promote soil test-based nutrient management in districts to improve nutrient use efficiency.
Encourage balanced and integrated nutrient use, including corrective measures for nutrient deficiencies, and promote practices like use of bio-fertilisers or organic inputs.
Build capacity of staff and farmers, including progressive farmers, in nutrient management practices.

Key Features / Benefits

Printed Soil Health Report
Provides farmers with a printed card for each land holding that shows soil status across 12 parameters (macro-nutrients like N, P, K; secondary like Sulphur; micro-nutrients like Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Boron; plus physical/chemical parameters pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon).
Fertiliser & Amendment Recommendations
Based on test results, the card tells which nutrients or soil amendments are needed and in what quantity to improve soil fertility.
Uniform Sampling & Digital Reporting
Uses a standard process for collecting and testing soil samples (including GPS/geotagging), and results are uploaded on a national portal so farmers receive consistent, traceable advice.
Periodic Renewal / Re-Testing
Soil health is reassessed every two years (or every cycle) so that changes in nutrient status (deficiencies or improvements) can be tracked, and recommendations updated.
Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs)
Establishing labs closer to farmers via rural entrepreneurs, SHGs, schools, etc., helps reduce sample transport times and improves access for remote or small farms.
Local Language / Dialect Support
Soil Health Cards are made available in multiple regional/local languages and dialects so that farmers can understand the content well.
School Soil Health Programme
School students are involved in collecting/ testing soil samples, generating SHCs, and helping spread awareness among farmers.

Practical Benefits to Farmers

Better Input Use, Lower Costs
By knowing exactly what their soil lacks (or has in excess), farmers can avoid wasting fertilisers, reducing input costs.
Higher Productivity / Improved Yields
Following SHC-based recommendations tends to increase crop yield since nutrient deficiencies are addressed and soil fertility improves.
Informed Crop Choices
Farmers get guidance on what crops may suit their soil based on current conditions; this helps reduce risk of crop failure.
Sustainability & Soil Health Over Time
Regular testing, balanced fertiliser use, and use of amendments help maintain soil health rather than degrading it over years.
Transparency & Access
Because results are standardized, digitized and made available through a portal (and sample collection is geotagged), farmers can access the SHC and verify its authenticity.

Eligibility Criteria

Farmers (Individuals / Landholders)

Any farmer who owns agricultural land in India is eligible to get a Soil Health Card for that land holding. SHC is meant for all farmers.
Must provide proof of land (land records, khasra number etc.), as SHC is issued per holding. The soil sample needs to correspond to a specific holding.
Some identity proof (for example Aadhaar, or other government identity) may be needed as part of document verification, especially for records on a portal.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs), PACS etc.

SHGs, FPOs and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) can be enrolled as Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs) under certain conditions.
But the eligibility for these groups to be VLSTLs is decided by the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC).

Entrepreneurs / Youth / Startups who want to set up VLSTLs

Individual entrepreneurs (especially rural youth) can apply to run a Village-Level Soil Testing Laboratory (VLSTL) under SHC.
There is an age limit: persons applying to set up VLSTL must be between 18 to 27 years of age.
Also can include community-based organisations like SHGs, schools, SAUs (State Agricultural Universities) etc. as VLSTLs.

Special Categories

In the official documentation, I did not find separate eligibility criteria for women, SC/ST, or specifically marginal farmers (other than those under general “all farmers”) for receiving SHCs. The scheme is universal for farmers.

Not Eligible / Exclusions

The scheme does not appear to officially list any categories of farmers who are excluded (e.g. no-land farmers, or non-farming land users). Everything suggests landholding farmers are eligible.
For VLSTLs, only those groups or persons approved by DLEC and meeting the criteria (e.g. age, organisational capacity) are eligible to run labs. Those who do not meet those conditions would be not eligible as VLSTL operators.

Documents / Proofs Needed

While the scheme guidelines do not always list a rigid set of documents applicable everywhere, some documents are commonly required:

Landholding proof / land records / khasra number (to identify the farm-holding)
Identity proof, typically Aadhaar card or other government ID.
For VLSTLs: registration or proof of being an SHG, FPO, or school/university/community group (depending on category) and age proof for individuals (if applying as entrepreneurs) between 18-27 years.
Approval by District Level Executive Committee for VLSTLs.

Application Process

Visit the SHC Portal or Use Mobile App
Go to the official portal: Soil Health Card Portal (soilhealth.dac.gov.in).
Or use the SHC Mobile App.
Register / Login
- If you are a farmer, use AADHAAR, mobile number, and possibly Agri-Stack Farmer ID to register.
- Create user credentials (username/password) if required via the portal.
Fill Application / Sample Registration Form
Include required fields like:
- Beneficiary/farmer details (name, address, AADHAAR, mobile)
- Land / farm details (village, block/district, khasra/khet number, land holding)
- Details of the soil sample, if applicable (plot location, grid area etc.).
Upload / Submit Documents
Common documents required:
- AADHAAR card or other identity proof
- Land records or proof of ownership of the land (khasra number etc.)
- Mobile number registration to receive messages or notifications.
Submit Application / Sample Collection
Once the online form is submitted, the Agriculture Department or assigned staff (or lab / mobile van) will collect the soil sample from the field.
Acknowledgment / Application ID
After registering the soil sample or application, you will get a tracking or registration reference / sample ID. This lets you check status later via the portal.
Verification / Field Visit (if applicable)
The scheme requires geotagging sample collection (i.e., capturing GPS location of field). This ensures correctness.
Sometimes local agriculture extension officers or staff verify sample collection or land details. (This depends on state norms)
Testing, Report Upload & Generation of SHC
- Soil Testing Laboratories analyze the sample on the 12 parameters.
- Results and recommended fertilizer / amendments are uploaded onto the SHC portal.
Printing / Distribution of Soil Health Card
Once the report is ready, SHC is either distributed in printed form (via agriculture dept offices) or can be downloaded/printed via the portal.
Timeline
As per the District Manual (2017):
- Sample collection & farmer registration: 1-10 days
- Soil sample analysis: 11-20 days
- Recommendations upload: by day 21-25
- Printing & physical distribution: by day 26-30 (may vary by state)
Offline Route (if available)
If you prefer or cannot do online:
- Go to the nearest Agriculture / Farmers Welfare Department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Block / Taluka Agriculture Office.
- Request soil sample collection, fill form offline, provide documents, and get acknowledgment there. The official portal allows tracking samples both online & via offline registered samples.
Helpline / Support
- The SHC Portal website has “Help / User Manual” sections.
- Contact the local Agriculture Department / District Agriculture Office for help with sample collection, portal registration etc.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Double-check name spelling, address, AADHAAR number and land / village name to match official records. Mismatch slows down verification.
Make sure the land / khasra / plot number is correct and matches what is in land records.
Upload clear, legible documents. Low quality images or scans cause rejection or delays.
Track the sample using the sample tracking feature on the portal so you know when testing is underway.

Challenges or Limitations

Even though the Soil Health Card Scheme has helped millions of farmers, a few challenges still come up in the process. The good part is that most of these issues can be avoided with a little preparation and awareness. Here are the most common challenges and how to deal with them:

Delay in soil sample collection → Stay in touch with local staff
Sometimes officials cannot reach every farm quickly, especially during peak season. Farmers can follow up with the local Agriculture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or block office to ensure their sample is scheduled without long delays.
Seasonal window missed for sampling → Plan in advance
Soil samples are ideally taken before sowing. If this window is missed, testing may not give the most accurate results. Farmers should contact officials early in the season and request sampling before the crop is sown.
Mismatch in land records or AADHAAR → Update documents first
One common reason for application rejection is mismatch between land documents and AADHAAR or beneficiary details. Before applying, make sure records are updated and names are consistent across all documents.
Limited lab capacity → Track your sample
In some districts, soil testing laboratories get overloaded, which slows down report generation. Farmers can use the SHC portal (soilhealth.dac.gov.in) or ask at the local office for tracking IDs to know the status and follow up if needed.
Difficulty understanding the report → Ask for guidance
Many farmers find the technical terms in the SHC difficult to interpret. The solution is simple: take the card to the nearest extension worker, KVK scientist, or input dealer trained by the Agriculture Department for a practical explanation in local language.
Connectivity and portal issues → Keep offline option ready
In areas with weak internet, online application and tracking can be tough. Farmers can always apply through the offline route at Agriculture Offices or KVKs to make sure their sample is registered properly.
Limited awareness of updates → Stay connected locally
Sometimes farmers are unaware of scheme updates, new features in the SHC app, or changes in sample procedures. The best way to stay updated is by attending local farmer meetings, listening to agri-helpline programs, or checking the official portal regularly.
Common mistakes during application → Double-check before submitting
Errors like entering the wrong mobile number, skipping mandatory fields, or uploading unclear documents can cause rejection. Reviewing the form carefully before final submission saves time and avoids rework.

When seen this way, the challenges of the Soil Health Card Scheme are manageable. Most issues come down to careful preparation – keeping documents ready, following up with local staff, and asking for guidance whenever needed. With these small steps, farmers can make the most of the scheme without unnecessary stress.

Government Support & Future Outlook

Linkage with Other Agri Missions & Future Plans

SHC is part of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – Soil Health and Fertility component. Under “RKVY Soil Health & Fertility – Soil Health Card (SHC)” scheme, efforts are made to jointly implement soil testing, recommend nutrients, and distribute cards via the SHC portal.
Village-Level Soil Testing Labs (VLSTLs), created under SHC/RKVY, bring testing closer to farmers. This links with the mission to strengthen ground-level infrastructure under RKVY.

How Combining Schemes Helps Farmers

When SHC works together with schemes like RKVY, it means a farmer may get:

a Soil Health Card telling them what their soil lacks (nutrients, etc.),
support from RKVY for funding/facilitating soil testing or labs nearby,
better access to extension services, input subsidies etc., because of stronger implementation infrastructure.

Example: A farmer gets their soil tested under SHC → SHC gives nutrient recommendation → RKVY helps in setting up a VLSTL nearby so sample collection is easier and faster → farmer uses fewer or correct fertilizers, saves cost, improves yield.

Updates & Road Ahead

The SHC component under RKVY is an ongoing plan.
There are operational guidelines (as of November 2024) under PM-RKVY that include SHC “Legacy SHC” reports, sample progress, etc.
There’s a push to improve outreach via mobile apps, portals, and making sure SHC data is usable, accessible in local languages, with better lab infrastructure via VLSTLs. These are part of future plans in official guidelines.

Conclusion

The Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC) is an important step by the Government of India to guide farmers in using the right amount of fertilizers and improving soil fertility for better yields. It mainly benefits small and marginal farmers who often struggle with high input costs and low productivity. By applying for a Soil Health Card, eligible farmers can learn exactly what their soil needs, avoid unnecessary expenses, and protect their land for future crops. To get started, farmers should check eligibility and application details on the official SHC portal (https://soilhealth.dac.gov.in) or visit their nearest agriculture office with updated land records and ID documents. Always confirm the latest updates through the official portal or helpline before applying, as requirements may vary across states.

Explore detailed resources on this scheme and the full suite of programmes at ALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE. For one-on-one assistance, call us at +91 8484002620.

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