Soil Health Card Scheme - Uttarakhand

Description
The scheme “Soil Health Card Scheme” is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Uttarakhand. The scheme aims to provide Soil Health Cards to all farmers in the state, helping them understand the nutrient composition of their soil and the type and quantity of fertilizers suitable for their crops.

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Benefits
• To provide Soil Health Cards to all farmers in the state.
• The soil of each farmer’s field is tested at soil testing laboratories, which are operational in all 13 districts.
• Farmers receive detailed information about the nutrient content of their soil, along with recommendations on the type and quantity of fertilizers best suited for their crops.
• Soil testing is provided free of cost to farmers.
• In hilly areas, a Soil Health Card is issued for agricultural land up to 2.5 hectares, while in plain areas, it is issued for land up to 10 hectares. Each card is valid for three years.
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Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant must be a resident of Uttarakhand.
2. The applicant must be a farmer.
3. The farmer must own agricultural land in the state and be actively engaged in farming activities.
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Required Documents
• Aadhar card
• Residence certificate
• Mobile number

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the Scheme?
A: All landowning farmers of Uttarakhand who are actively engaged in agricultural work are eligible.
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Q: Is soil testing free under this scheme?
A: Yes, soil sample testing is free for all farmers under the scheme.
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Q: What is the validity of a Soil Health Card?
A: The Soil Health Card is valid for three years from the date of issue.
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Q: How much land is covered under the scheme?
A: In hilly areas, soil health cards are issued for agricultural land up to 2.5 hectares, and in plain areas, up to 10 hectares.
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Q: Where can farmers get their soil tested?
A: Soil testing laboratories are available in all 13 districts of Uttarakhand. Farmers can submit samples directly to these labs or through their Panchayat’s Assistant Agriculture Officer.
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Q: How should farmers collect a soil sample?
A: - Identify six locations in the field for sampling.
- Clear the area of grass or debris.
- Dig a V-shaped pit 6 inches deep, 6 inches long, and 4 inches wide.
- Collect 1–2 inches of soil from top to bottom along the pit’s edge.
- Mix soil from all six locations thoroughly, remove stones, pebbles, and roots.
- Reduce the mixed soil to half a kilogram for testing.

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Q: How should the soil sample be stored?
A: Place the half-kilogram soil sample in a clean bag with a slip mentioning the farmer’s name, address, Khasra number, mobile number, and crop information. Include Aadhar card and residence certificate.
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Q: How is the soil sample submitted?
A: Samples can be submitted to the district soil testing laboratory directly or through the Panchayat’s Assistant Agriculture Officer.
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