Question

The soil Health Card Scheme (Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara) in India was launched in the year

• A. 2016
• B. 2017
• C. 2018
• D. 2015

Hint:

The national "Soil Health Card Scheme" was launched on 19th February 2015 under the guiding slogan "Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara" to provide customized soil nutrient analyses to farmers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme is a national flagship program promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The scheme was designed to help farmers understand the nutrient status of their soils, allowing them to apply fertilizers more efficiently and economically.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Soil Health Card Scheme was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19th February 2015 at Suratgarh in Rajasthan.
The program operates under the slogan "Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara" (Healthy Earth, Green Field).
Under this scheme, soil samples are collected and analyzed in laboratories for 12 key parameters:
1. Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).
2. Secondary nutrients: Sulfur (S).
3. Micronutrients: Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B).
4. Physical/Chemical parameters: pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon (OC).
Based on the results, farmers receive a printed card with customized fertilizer recommendations for their crops, helping prevent the overuse of urea and restoring nutrient balance to the soil.

Step 3: Final Answer
The Soil Health Card Scheme was launched in India in the year 2015.