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

2. 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

3. 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 Lakh (58%)
Sample tested Lakh (21%)
28.96 Lakh Soil Health Cards Distributed against target of 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Organic Carbon Analysis- With digital burette

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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