Gandhinagar, June 6 (IANS) More than 2.23 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued free of cost to farmers in Gujarat over the past two decades, helping cultivators reduce fertiliser consumption, lower production costs, and improve crop yields, while the state has set a target of testing 2.18 lakh soil samples and issuing fresh cards during the current year.

The programme, which provides farmers with scientific assessments of soil health and nutrient requirements, has delivered measurable results for cultivators across the state, including cotton farmer Hiren Nakrani of Gariadhar village in Bhavnagar district.

Nakrani, who cultivates cotton on 12 bighas of land, had been applying 400 kg of urea and 290 kg of DAP fertiliser annually for his crop.

Despite the heavy use of fertilisers, his production remained limited to around 200 maunds, while cultivation costs continued to rise.

Acting on the advice of a village extension worker, he submitted soil samples from his farm for testing at the Soil Testing Laboratory in Bhavnagar.

After receiving a Soil Health Card and following the recommendations provided in it, his annual use of urea fell from 400 kg to 180 kg, while DAP consumption dropped from 290 kg to 140 kg.

The reduction translated into savings of 220 kg of urea and 150 kg of DAP. At the same time, his cotton output increased from 200 maunds to 281 maunds, representing an increase of more than 40 per cent, while his cultivation costs were reduced by about half.

Recalling the change, Nakrani said: “Earlier, we were shooting in the dark. We kept applying excessive bags of fertiliser in the hope of increasing production and ended up damaging the soil. But when the Soil Health Card came into our hands, we realised that it was the X-ray report of our land. Now we apply only the quantity of fertiliser that is actually required according to the recommendations. As a result, our costs have halved, and the crop yield has increased substantially.”

State authorities said the benefits of the programme extend beyond reducing fertiliser expenditure and increasing farm income, as it also contributes to improving soil fertility and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Among other beneficiaries is Arun Meniya, a farmer from Lakhtar taluka in Surendranagar district, who said soil testing prompted changes in his cultivation practices.

“After receiving the Soil Health Card, my land was tested, and I began using organic fertilisers. As a result, the hardened soil in my fields became softer, and the moisture-retention capacity of the land improved,” he said.

According to agricultural officials, Soil Health Cards provide farmers with scientific information about the condition of their land by analysing 12 soil parameters.

Parul Parmar, Assistant Director of Agriculture at the Gandhinagar Soil Testing Laboratory, said the analysis forms the basis for recommendations on fertiliser use.

“The Soil Health Card analyses a total of 12 parameters. These include six major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as six micronutrients including copper, iron, zinc and manganese. Based on this analysis, recommendations are provided to farmers regarding fertiliser use. Applying fertilisers according to these recommendations prevents unnecessary wastage and helps maintain soil health,” Parmar said.

Gujarat currently has 21 soil-testing laboratories and one specialised micronutrient laboratory carrying out soil analysis for farmers across the state.

Officials also emphasised the importance of collecting soil samples correctly to ensure accurate results.

Rakesh Sapariya, Assistant Director of Agriculture, said: “For obtaining accurate results from a Soil Health Card, collecting soil samples through the prescribed method is essential.”

He said samples should be collected from 10 to 20 locations within a hectare using a zig-zag method. Farmers should avoid taking samples from field boundaries, roadsides, waterlogged areas or locations under tree shade.

Soil should be collected from pits measuring 15 to 20 centimetres in depth, thoroughly mixed, divided into four parts and reduced before a representative 500-gram sample is sent for laboratory testing.

The Soil Health Card initiative originated in Gujarat in 2003-04 when the then chief minister, Narendra Modi, raised concerns about declining soil fertility caused by excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers.

The concept was based on the idea that if laboratory tests could assess human health, similar scientific methods could be used to evaluate the condition of agricultural land.

Gujarat became the first state in the country to implement the programme. Following its adoption and reported results in the state, the scheme was expanded nationwide in 2015 after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.

The state government said that, through the combined efforts of the Gujarat and central governments, 2.18 lakh soil samples are scheduled to be tested during the current year as part of ongoing efforts to promote scientific farming practices, improve soil fertility and support agricultural productivity.

--IANS

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