Soil Health Card Scheme – How to Get Your Soil Health Card

The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme is a Government of India initiative that provides farmers with a printed report on the nutrient status of their soil. The card carries crop-wise recommendations for fertilisers and nutrients to help farmers improve soil health and increase crop productivity. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

What is a Soil Health Card?

A Soil Health Card is a printed document issued to farmers every 2 years that contains:

• 12 parameters of soil health — 6 chemical (N, P, K, OC, pH, EC) and 6 physical/biological indicators
• Crop-wise fertiliser recommendations based on your soil's nutrient deficiency
• Suggestions for soil amendments — lime, gypsum, organic manure, etc.
• Colour-coded nutrient status — deficient (red), sufficient (green), surplus (blue)

The aim is to promote balanced use of fertilisers and reduce wasteful overuse.

Who is Eligible?

• All farmers in India — landowners, tenant farmers, sharecroppers
• No income or landholding restriction
• The scheme covers all states and union territories
• Free of cost — no charges for soil testing or card issuance

How to Get Your Soil Health Card

Online Method (Check/Download)

1. Visit the Soil Health Card portal at soilhealth.dac.gov.in
2. Click on "Farmer's Corner" → "Print Your Soil Health Card"
3. Select your State, District, Sub-District, and Village
4. Enter your name or SHC number (if available)
5. Click Search — your soil health card will be displayed
6. Download or print the card for your reference

Offline Method (Through Agriculture Department)

1. Contact your village-level agriculture extension worker or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
2. Request soil sampling from your farm
3. The agriculture officer will collect soil samples from your field (typically from multiple spots at 15-20 cm depth)
4. Samples are sent to the nearest Soil Testing Laboratory (STL)
5. Lab analyses the 12 parameters and generates recommendations
6. Your Soil Health Card is printed and delivered to you through the agriculture department
7. A new card is issued every 2 years (one cycle)

Via Common Service Centres

1. Visit your nearest CSC/Jan Seva Kendra with your Aadhaar card
2. The CSC operator can help you check your soil health card status online
3. Download and print the card at the centre

Understanding Your Soil Health Card

Key Benefits

• Free soil testing — no cost to the farmer
• Personalised recommendations — crop-specific fertiliser advice based on your soil
• Reduces input cost — balanced fertiliser use saves money on unnecessary inputs
• Improves crop yield — right nutrients in right quantities boost productivity
• Environmental benefit — reduces soil degradation from excessive chemical fertiliser use
• Issued every 2 years — regular monitoring of soil health changes
• Digital access — check your card online anytime

Soil Testing Laboratories

India has a network of soil testing labs:

Important Tips

1. Collect soil samples correctly — take samples from multiple spots in a zigzag pattern, mix them, and send a representative sample
2. Avoid sampling near bunds, trees, manure heaps, or waterlogged areas — these give inaccurate results
3. Follow the recommendations on your card — don't apply excess urea or DAP without checking if your soil needs it
4. Use organic manure as suggested — it improves long-term soil health beyond what chemical fertilisers can do
5. Get a new card every 2 years to track how your soil health is changing over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Soil Health Card free?

Yes. The entire process — soil sampling, laboratory testing, and card issuance — is completely free for all farmers.

How often is a new Soil Health Card issued?

A new card is issued every 2 years (one cycle). The government conducts soil sampling in cycles across all districts.

Can I check my Soil Health Card online?

Yes. Visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in, go to Farmer's Corner, and search by your name, village, and district.

What should I do if my soil shows nutrient deficiency?

Follow the crop-specific fertiliser recommendations printed on your card. You can also consult your local agriculture extension officer or KVK for guidance.

Does the Soil Health Card cover all types of soil?

Yes. The scheme covers all types of agricultural land across all states. Both irrigated and rainfed farmland are eligible.

How is the soil sample collected?

Agriculture department staff collect soil from 15-20 cm depth at multiple spots in your field. The samples are mixed to create a composite sample, which is sent for lab analysis.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official details, visit soilhealth.dac.gov.in.