Soil Health Card Scheme-Review and Improvements GROUP-I Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, J&K, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, U.P

Status of Implementation Cycle I Rajasthan, Gujarat, J&K, complete their remaining work of printing and distribution by 15th October 2017. Uttar Pradesh, Assam – completion of Soil Testing by October,2017 & Distribution by November ,2017 Bihar- Testing up to September,2017 & Distribution up to December,2017. Manipur- Testing & Distribution up to October,2017 Punjab- State is directed to provide its road map for completion

Status of Implementation Cycle II Village level soil testing project for entrepreneurs Implementation Started in almost all states 76.49 lakh samples collected , against target of 130.65 Lakh (58%) Sample tested- 28.56 Lakh (21%) 28.96 Lakh Soil Health Cards Distributed against target of 689.41 lakhs(4%) All states has assured to complete first year target by March-2018 Rajasthan, Gujarat, Bihar , TN, Karnataka have initiated the process. Proposals to be sent by end of September

Initiatives taken by states to complete the targets Operationalization of STL’s on PPP mode-Gujarat, Rajasthan Outsourcing of work on job bases-almost all states Digitisation of soil sampling technique -Karnataka, Tamilnadu Development of village level nutrient maps- Karnataka , Gujarat Involvements of other institutions like APMC, SAU, Science college, Fertilizer companies etc-Rajasthan, Gujarat Technological interventions Involvement of mini labs- all states ICP technology-Rajasthan, U.P Sophisticated and improved instruments and accessories-Rajasthan

Hi tech technology- multi-nutrient testing in single run ICP OES- 35 seconds to read a sample for 07 parameters ICP OES- Fully automated, Computer controlled

Organic Carbon Analysis- With digital burette

Follow up action on popularising SHC by different states SHC Mandatory for laying out of demonstrations-Rajasthan Distribution of micronutrient(90% subsidy)based on soil health card’s recommendation-Rajasthan Fertilizer sale linked to soil health cards especially in Chhattisgarh SHC Mandatory for different programs like micro irrigation (Gujarat- Rajasthan )and horticultural schemes ( Karnataka) Awareness generation activities- all states

Suggestion for improvements Enhancement of testing capacity through ICP technique with auto sampler, digital burette Awareness of agriculture input dealers regarding use of SHC through DESI training programs Incentives like awards to Fertiliser dealers involved in motivating the farmers Pre-requisite of Soil Health Card for availing subsidies under present ongoing schemes Incentivising the farmers adopting soil health card recommendation in excess use areas SAU’s need to support SHC program in big way as they have good infrastructure Up gradation of fertiliser recommendation by SAUs The printing charge RS. 50/- per grid should be increased

Suggestion for improvements The deficient elements should be marked by red color on SHC Recommendations of organic fertilizer dosage on soil health cards Village adoption by KVK’s for follow up of SHC recommendations Provision for publicity through print and electronic media Dedicated personnel at Kisan Call Centres to attend SHC queries by farmers Provision for export of data in excel format for the farmer registered in particular district/ taluka /village-on SHC portal Distribution of SHC by organizing farmer’s meeting in village and there should be follow up meeting also