AI SummaryRKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village level Soil Testing Lab helps rural youth and entrepreneurs set up local soil testing centers so farmers get quick and accurate soil health data for smarter fertilizer use and better crop yields. The scheme gives a one-time grant of ₹1.5 lakh for each village-level lab.
The scheme is part of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Soil Health and Fertility mission, run by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Applications are processed through District and State Level Executive Committees, and the money reaches the beneficiary through DBT mode.
RKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village level Soil Testing Lab - Introduction
RKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village level Soil Testing Lab brings soil testing services directly to the village doorstep. It helps set up a permanent testing center within the village to support better farming practices, cut unnecessary fertilizer costs, and encourage the use of organic manure. The test results are used to issue Soil Health Cards, similar to the Soil Health Card Scheme.
Rural entrepreneurs, SHGs, agriculture graduates, Krishi Sakhis, students of government schools, and PACS can set up these labs. The government provides ₹1.5 lakh as one-time financial support to get the lab running. The lab should be operated by local youth so farmers get high-quality service without traveling to city-based centers.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | RKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village level Soil Testing Lab |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural & Environment |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Business Entity |
| Sub Category | Soil health, Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | Yes |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Nodal Department | Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Agency | State Government Department |
| Open Date | 2015-01-01 |
| Tags | Soil Testing Lab, Soil Health, INM, Rural Entrepreneur, RKVY |
The one-time support covers the full cost of setting up the lab. The cost breakup is given below.
| Component | Cost (in ₹ lakhs) |
|---|---|
| Soil testing kit with reagents, sample shaker, and 1-year AMC | 1.00 |
| Distilled water, pH meter, conductivity meter, electronic balance, glass-ware, and consumables | 0.50 |
| Total | 1.50 |
Benefits
By taking part in this scheme, beneficiaries help their community and also gain several advantages:
- Affordable testing access for local farmers without long travel.
- Timely and accurate soil analysis reports for better decisions.
- Customized nutrient recommendations for better crop growth.
- Lower farming input costs by avoiding excessive fertilizer use.
- Greater awareness of soil sustainability among villagers.
- More local employment opportunities for rural youth.
- Stronger national agricultural infrastructure.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Age between 18 and 27 years for individual applicants.
- Minimum 10th standard pass with science and basic computer knowledge.
- Own or rented premises with a lease agreement valid for at least 4 years.
Application Process
Applications for the lab setup are handled offline through the state agriculture department. Follow these steps:
STEP 1 - Get identified as a village-level entrepreneur, PACS, or SHG member through the local authorities in a transparent and time-bound manner.
STEP 2 - Secure a suitable location for the lab and make sure the premises meet the lease requirement.
STEP 3 - Provide proof of equipment and input procurement as required by local officials.
STEP 4 - Wait for the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC) to review the proposal and recommend it to the State Level Executive Committee (SLEC). The review generally takes up to one month.
STEP 5 - Receive the financial assistance from the state government within one week of approval.
STEP 6 - Submit all procurement receipts for equipment and materials to the DLEC within 15 days of receiving the funds.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready for the application process:
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid land or rental agreement documents
- Active bank account details
- Recent passport-sized photographs
Requirements may vary slightly by state, so check with the local agricultural department for any additional paperwork.
References
Access Soil Health Card User Manual
Visit Soil Health Official Portal
FAQ's
Will I receive training after setting up my lab?
Yes, the state government and manufacturers provide training on sample collection via mobile apps, machine maintenance, testing procedures, and generating Soil Health Cards.
How do I help farmers understand their soil reports?
Beneficiaries are trained to guide farmers on using their Soil Health Cards to make smart choices about fertilizer application.
How does the laboratory provide precise recommendations?
The lab generates customized nutrient recommendations by analyzing soil nutrient levels against the requirements of specific crops.
Are there special quotas for gender or caste?
No, this scheme treats all eligible applicants equally without specific caste or gender-based quotas.
Can my SHG apply for this lab?
Yes, SHGs, agriculture graduates, and students involved in the RAWE programme are encouraged to apply and operate these labs.
What is the minimum educational qualification?
Applicants must have finished 10th standard in science and have basic computer skills.
How long does the approval process take?
The entire verification and approval process typically takes about one month.
How quickly are funds released after approval?
The state government releases the financial assistance within one week following the formal approval of the application.
When do I need to submit my purchase receipts?
All equipment and consumable bills should be submitted to the DLEC within 15 days of receiving the assistance funds.