Table of Contents
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
- Indian farmer with cultivable land
- Apply at nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
- Aadhaar + land record
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)
- Visit nearest KVK or block agriculture office — Or apply online at soilhealth.dac.gov.in.
- Submit Aadhaar + land record — 1 sample per 2.5 hectares of land.
- Sample collected by Patwari / KVK staff — In your presence.
- Lab test in 30-45 days — Results published online.
- Card delivered + uploaded to portal — Recommendations specific to your crops.
- Re-apply after 2 years — Free refresh.
Documents needed
- Aadhaar
- Land record (Khasra)
- Mobile number
Timeline
Test results: 30-45 days. Card delivery: 60-90 days.
Portal + helpline
- Official portal: soilhealth.dac.gov.in
- Helpline: KVK helpline (state-specific)
Common issues
- Card not received > 60 days — file RTI to KVK + State Agriculture Dept.
- Recommendations too generic — visit KVK; agronomist customizes per your crop.
- Multiple plots — separate sample per 2.5 ha; can request multiple cards.
- Reading dispute — re-test free at any KVK lab.
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.
- Apply now: soilhealth.dac.gov.in
- If delayed — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Browse all yojanas: Sarkari Yojana index
Related
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

