More than 2.23 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers in Gujarat at no cost over the last two decades. These cards have aided farmers in cutting down on fertilizer usage, reducing production expenses, and enhancing crop yields. The state has set a target to test 2.18 lakh soil samples and issue new cards this year.
The program offers farmers scientific evaluations of soil health and nutrient needs, leading to tangible benefits for cultivators statewide. One such beneficiary is cotton farmer Hiren Nakrani from Gariadhar village in Bhavnagar district. Nakrani, who farms cotton on 12 bighas of land, significantly decreased his urea and DAP fertilizer usage after following the recommendations on his Soil Health Card.
After receiving his Soil Health Card and implementing the suggested changes, Nakrani managed to cut down his urea application from 400 kg to 180 kg and DAP usage from 290 kg to 140 kg annually. This reduction resulted in substantial savings and a remarkable increase in cotton output, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in improving agricultural practices and yields.
State officials highlighted that the advantages of the initiative extend beyond cost savings and income growth for farmers. The program also plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. By providing farmers with detailed information on their land’s condition through the analysis of 12 soil parameters, Soil Health Cards aid in optimizing fertilizer use and maintaining soil health.
Agricultural authorities emphasized the significance of proper soil sample collection to ensure accurate results. Rakesh Sapariya, Assistant Director of Agriculture, stressed the importance of adhering to the prescribed method for collecting soil samples, underscoring the need to avoid specific locations and follow precise sampling procedures. The initiative, which began in Gujarat in 2003-04, has since expanded nationwide, promoting scientific farming practices and supporting agricultural productivity.
