Performance of Soil Health Card Scheme in Madhya Pradesh

The paper has studied awareness and performance of soil health card (SHC) scheme among the farmers by selecting 60 farmers (30 soil-tested farmers and 30 control) from 2 blocks and 2 districts (Sehore and Jabalpur) of Madhya Pradesh. Study has found the present infrastructure of soil testing to be insufficient and there is an urgent need to increase soil sample testing facility. Presently, the labs are literally cut off from the field and work in isolation of the whole SHC scheme. The paper has suggested that each lab may adopt at least one nearby village from where sample may be collected by the laboratory staff and recommendations communicated/handed over directly to the farmers to follow the outcome of the SHC scheme. There is an urgent need to make the SHC available to the farmers through internet and mobile telephones. At the same time they should also be made aware about these facilities so that the purpose of soil testing scheme may be fulfilled in the state.