AI SummaryRKVY Soil Health and Fertility - Soil Health Card helps farmers understand the nutrient status of their farmland through professional soil testing so they can plan fertilizer use wisely and improve crop yield. The scheme is part of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and it continues to cover farmers across India in 2026.
Under this scheme, soil samples are collected from farmer fields and tested in government-approved laboratories. Based on the report, each farmer gets a Soil Health Card that shows the health of the land across 12 main parameters, including N, P, K, S, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, B, pH, EC and OC, along with crop-wise fertilizer suggestions and soil improvement advice.
RKVY Soil Health and Fertility - Soil Health Card - Introduction
Soil Health Card scheme was launched in 2015 and is now implemented under RKVY. The card gives every farmer a clear idea about what is missing in the soil and how much fertilizer to use. This helps in cutting input costs and avoids the problems of using too little or too much fertilizer.
Farmers can check and download their Soil Health Card from the Soil Health Card official portal or through the link sent to the registered mobile number. The card is issued once every three years for a particular field, and the report is prepared using standard testing methods approved by state agriculture universities and ICAR.
The following cost applies for soil sampling, testing and card generation:
| Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Soil sampling, testing and generation of Soil Health Card | ₹300 per card (₹40 for collection + ₹150 for testing + ₹110 for awareness) |
Main aims of the scheme are:
- Promoting soil test-based nutrient management across the country so farmers use fertilizer as per the actual need of the soil.
- Issuing personalized Soil Health Cards to farmers on a regular cycle so every farmer knows the condition of their land.
- Strengthening soil testing laboratories and existing testing infrastructure in states.
- Training district and state staff on soil nutrient management and testing procedures.
- Finding out soil fertility problems using standardized testing methods.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | RKVY Soil Health and Fertility - Soil Health Card |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme for | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture and Cooperation |
| Implementing Agency | State Government |
| Open Date | 01 January 2015 |
| Official Website | soilhealth.dac.gov.in |
Benefits
Soil Health Card scheme gives farmers practical benefits that directly affect farming cost and output:
- Free or highly subsidized soil testing through government-approved laboratories.
- Timely and accurate analysis reports shared directly with farmers.
- Customized nutrient plans made for the specific soil type and crop.
- Better fertilizer use, which lowers input costs and prevents damage from over-application or under-application.
Eligibility
This scheme is open to all farmers in India. Landowners, tenant farmers, farmer groups and cooperatives can apply as per state guidelines. For example, if Ramesh owns a small farm in Maharashtra or Suresh manages a field in Punjab, both can apply and get their soil tested under the scheme.
Application Process
Application for Soil Health Card is done mainly through the local agriculture office. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest District Agriculture Office, Block Agriculture Office or Common Service Centre (CSC) and ask for the Soil Health Card application process.
STEP 2 - The concerned officer checks eligibility under the current State Annual Action Plan and collects the required land and personal details.
STEP 3 - An authorized agent visits the farm, geo-tags the land through a mobile app and collects the soil sample following the prescribed method.
STEP 4 - The sample is sent to an authorized soil testing laboratory where it is tested against 12 standard parameters.
STEP 5 - Once the report is ready, the Soil Health Card is generated on the national portal and the farmer gets a copy through the registered mobile number or can download it from the official portal.
Documents
Documents needed for Soil Health Card scheme are simple, but the list can vary slightly from state to state. Keep these items ready:
- Aadhaar card and a registered mobile number.
- Land records or proof of land holding.
- Address proof and a passport-size photograph.
Contact the local Agriculture Officer or the nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra to confirm the latest document list for the state.
References
Soil Health Card Official Portal
FAQ's
Is there a fee for getting the soil tested?
No, soil testing under this scheme is done through government-approved channels and is free or highly subsidized for farmers. The approved rate is around ₹300 per card, which covers collection, testing and awareness.
How often is a Soil Health Card issued?
A Soil Health Card is generally issued for a particular field once every three years, so the soil condition can be tracked regularly.
Can I request tests for parameters other than those provided?
No, the testing follows a standardized set of 12 parameters to keep results consistent and reliable across the country.
How are the recommendations calculated?
The advice on the card is based on guidelines prepared by State Agriculture Universities and ICAR, so the fertilizer suggestions are scientifically sound.
Can any farmer apply for this card?
Yes, every farmer, including landowners and tenant farmers, can apply for a Soil Health Card through the District Agriculture Office as per state guidelines.
How do I check or download my Soil Health Card?
Visit the official portal at soilhealth.dac.gov.in, search with farmer details or soil sample number, and download or print the card after the report is generated.
What documents will I need?
Requirements are simple but vary by state. Aadhaar, mobile number, land records and address proof are commonly needed. Verify the exact list with the local agricultural office.