.jpg "Indian farmer practicing natural farming with green crops in field")
The Central Government is taking several proactive measures to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance productivity in response to recent climate and market-related challenges. These initiatives aim not only to improve farmers' incomes but also to ensure environmental conservation and long-term soil fertility. The key initiatives include:
Launched in 2022–23 by the Government of India, the Natural Farming Mission aims to promote chemical-free and regenerative agricultural practices across the country. The mission seeks to reduce farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while improving soil health, biodiversity, and farm incomes. It encourages the adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods for long-term agricultural resilience.
The FPO policy enables the collective organization of farmers to realize the benefits of economies of scale in production and marketing of agriculture and allied products. The key objective is to ensure better returns for farmers while enhancing productivity through efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable resource utilization. This initiative marks a significant step toward building self-reliant farming communities.
The Soil Health Card (SHC) and Soil Health Management (SHM) initiatives were launched in 2014–15 to support State Governments in issuing Soil Health Cards to all farmers.
Since 2022–23, both SHC and SHM have been integrated under the “Soil Health and Fertility” component of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
This scheme promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) by encouraging the balanced use of chemical fertilizers (including macro, secondary, and micronutrients), along with organic manures and bio-fertilizers to improve soil health and productivity.
Key components of the scheme include:
Testing of soil samples and issuance of Soil Health Cards:
The Soil Health Card provides farmers with valuable insights into the nutrient status of their soil, along with specific recommendations on the required quantity of fertilizers, thereby supporting improved soil fertility and higher yields.
As of 30th June 2025, a total of 25.13 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed to farmers across the country.
