Government of India has intensified its efforts to improve soil health and promote sustainable agriculture through a series of nationwide initiatives. More than 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued to farmers, while over 23.13 lakh farmers have joined the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). In addition, large-scale awareness campaigns, organic farming programmes and scientific soil management initiatives are helping improve agricultural productivity while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme, launched in 2014-15, has issued more than 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards across the country. The cards provide farmers with detailed information about the nutrient status of their soil and offer crop-specific fertilizer recommendations. This enables balanced nutrient management, improves fertilizer efficiency, reduces cultivation costs, enhances crop productivity and supports sustainable farming practices.
To promote scientific soil management, authorities have also organised over 1,30,627 farmer training programmes, 7.17 lakh field demonstrations, and 7,425 farmer fairs and awareness campaigns focused on Soil Health Card recommendations.
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2024, is promoting chemical-free and nature-based farming using locally available farm resources. So far, more than 23.13 lakh farmers have been registered under the mission, covering approximately 11.44 lakh hectares of farmland. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers and encourage environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.
Awareness Campaign Reached More Than 1.36 Crore Farmers During Kharif 2026:
During the ongoing Kharif 2026 season, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), conducted a nationwide campaign promoting balanced fertilizer use and soil conservation. As part of the campaign, over 2,94,554 awareness programmes were organised, reaching more than 1.36 crore farmers. The initiative also educated farmers on natural farming, organic agriculture, bio-inputs and alternative fertilizers.
Organic Farming Continues to Expand:
Government continues to promote organic agriculture through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), which supports farmers throughout the production, certification, processing and marketing value chain. Under the scheme, nearly 18.93 lakh hectares have been brought under organic cultivation, benefiting more than 33.63 lakh farmers.
In the North-Eastern region, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) has expanded organic farming across 2.36 lakh hectares, benefiting approximately 2.74 lakh farmers.
Growing Adoption of Organic Soil Enhancers:
To improve soil organic carbon and encourage balanced nutrient management, the Government is promoting the use of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM). Consumption of these organic soil enhancers increased significantly from 3.36 lakh metric tonnes during 2024-25 to 11.86 lakh metric tonnes during the current Kharif season (April 1 to July 16, 2026), reflecting growing acceptance among farmers.
Scientific Weed Management Improving Soil Health:
The ICAR Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur, is promoting Integrated Weed Management (IWM) through research, demonstrations, farmer training and extension activities. Scientific advisories are being disseminated through mobile platforms, social media, printed literature and village-level outreach programmes to encourage the safe and efficient use of herbicides. The institute is also monitoring herbicide residues in soil and the food chain to recommend improved crop management practices. These initiatives have helped reduce indiscriminate herbicide use, contributing to healthier soils, improved environmental sustainability and higher crop productivity.
FAQs:
1. What is a Soil Health Card?
A Soil Health Card provides farmers with soil nutrient analysis and crop-specific fertilizer recommendations to improve soil health and crop productivity.
2. How many Soil Health Cards have been issued in India?
More than 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued to farmers across India.
3. What is the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) promotes chemical-free farming using locally available natural resources and sustainable agricultural practices.
4. How many farmers have joined NMNF?
Over 23.13 lakh farmers have registered under the National Mission on Natural Farming, covering around 11.44 lakh hectares.
5. How is the Government improving soil health in India?
The Government is improving soil health through the Soil Health Card Scheme, National Mission on Natural Farming, organic farming programmes, FOM/LFOM promotion, and Integrated Weed Management, helping farmers increase productivity while reducing chemical inputs.
