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Soil Health Card — free soil testing + nutrient recommendations (2026)

Free soil test + customised nutrient recommendations + crop-specific advisory; updated every 2 years.

Launched: 2015 · Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Who is eligible

What you get

Free soil test (NPK + pH + organic carbon + micronutrients). Crop-specific fertilizer recommendations. Card valid for 2 years; refresh required after.

How to apply (step-by-step)

  1. Visit nearest KVK or block agriculture office — Or apply online at soilhealth.dac.gov.in.
  2. Submit Aadhaar + land record — 1 sample per 2.5 hectares of land.
  3. Sample collected by Patwari / KVK staff — In your presence.
  4. Lab test in 30-45 days — Results published online.
  5. Card delivered + uploaded to portal — Recommendations specific to your crops.
  6. Re-apply after 2 years — Free refresh.

Documents needed

Timeline

Test results: 30-45 days. Card delivery: 60-90 days.

Portal + helpline

Common issues

Benefit delayed or rejected? File an RTI

Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:

1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date.
2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file.
3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline.
4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days.
5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.

Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →

More schemes for you: All farmers schemes

Frequently asked questions

Cost?

Fully free.

Sample frequency?

Every 2 years; same plot.

Multi-cropping plot?

Single sample suffices; recommendations cover all crops.

Card delayed?

File RTI to KVK + DAO. Use AI RTI Drafter.

Summary + next step

Bottom line: Free soil test + customised nutrient recommendations + crop-specific advisory; updated every 2 years. Apply at soilhealth.dac.gov.in. If delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.

Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.