Soil Health Card Scheme 2026 — Free Soil Testing

Direct answer. SHC scheme gives free soil testing every 2 years + crop-specific fertilizer recommendation to every Indian farmer. 22+ crore cards issued since 2015. Reduces fertilizer misuse, improves yield 10–25%. Approach your Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or village extension officer.

Quick Answer

  • Free soil sample collection + lab test + recommendation card.
  • Re-test every 2 years.
  • Apply via: KVK / village agriculture officer / soilhealth.dac.gov.in.
  • Helpline: state Agriculture Department.

Eligibility

  • Any farmer with cultivable land (any size).
  • Submit Aadhaar + land documents.
  • No income/category bar.

How to apply

  1. Approach KVK OR village extension officer.
  2. Free sample collection at your farm (officer visits).
  3. Lab analysis: pH, N, P, K, S, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, organic carbon (12 parameters).
  4. Card printed + delivered in 30–45 days.
  5. Card lists crop-by-crop fertilizer recommendation (kg/acre or kg/ha) for crops you've declared.

What the card shows

  1. Your survey number + farm location
  2. Soil pH, EC, N, P, K levels
  3. Micro + secondary nutrients
  4. Recommended fertilizer dose for: paddy, wheat, sugarcane, maize, pulses, oilseeds (per the crop you grow)
  5. Manure / organic matter recommendation
  6. Crop rotation suggestions

Common issues

  • Card not received — RTI to State Agriculture Department.
  • Wrong recommendation — re-test possible at any time (paid private lab if government delayed).
  • Card not in your name — mutation issue; rectify at Tehsildar.

If the formal channel fails, escalate via RTI

If this complaint isn't resolved through the regular complaint route, you can file an RTI to force the public authority to either act or explain in writing why they haven't. The fee is ₹10 (free if you're BPL).

Sources

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Last reviewed: 3 May 2026.

Visual / Infographic prompts

  • Infographic concept: Sample Soil Health Card layout: pH, EC, N, P, K, S, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Fe, organic carbon — 12 parameters with crop-specific recommendations.

SVG icon prompts (use any AI image gen)

  1. Minimal soil sample test tube icon with '12 parameters' label.
  2. Card outline with 12 mini icons (one per nutrient parameter).
  3. KVK building icon with extension officer silhouette.

Feature image prompt

Realistic photo of an Indian Krishi Vigyan Kendra officer in field collecting soil sample, farmer watching, agricultural test tubes visible.

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