Lok Sabha Question No. 1856 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-11
Subject: Soil Fertility Mapping
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Mohite Patil Dhairyasheel Rajsinh, Dr. Amol Ramsing Kolhe, Smt. Supriya Sule, Shri Sanjay Dina Patil, Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, Shri Amar Sharadrao Kale, Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Shri Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1856

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11 TH  MARCH, 2025

## SOIL FERTILITY MAPPING

1856.  Dr. AMOL RAMSING KOLHE: PROF. VARSHA  EKNATH GAIKWAD: SMT. SUPRIYA SULE: SHRI NILESH DNYANDEV LANKE: SHRI AMAR SHARADRAO KALE: SHRI BHASKAR MURLIDHAR BHAGARE: SHRI MOHITE PATIL DHAIRYASHEEL RAJSINH: SHRI SANJAY DINA PATIL:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष  एवं  ͩकसान  कãयाण  मंğी be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has undertaken any initiatives for Soil Fertility Mapping, if so, the details of the schemes and programs launched for mapping soil fertility in the country;

(b) the number of districts covered under soil fertility mapping so far in the State of Maharashtra;

(c)  the  manner  in  which  this  initiative  is  expected  to  benefit  farmers  in  improving  agricultural productivity;

(d) whether the Government has integrated geospatial technology, remote sensing, and AI-based tools in Soil Fertility Mapping, if so, the details of the technological interventions used in soil health assessment;

(e) whether the soil fertility data is made available to farmers in an accessible format and if so, the  details  thereof  along  with  the  challenges  faced  in  implementing  Soil  Fertility  Mapping  in remote and hilly areas;

(f) whether soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies have been identified through mapping,and if so, the key findings;

(g) the impact of Soil Fertility Mapping on reducing excessive chemical fertilizer use; and

(h) the future plans for expanding soil fertility mapping across all agricultural zones in the country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR)

- (a): Soil  &  Land  Use Survey of India (SLUSI), under Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare  is  generating  of  district/village-wise  digital  soil  fertility  maps  through  geo-spatial

techniques using Soil Health Card (SHC) data. Soil Health Cards are generated under Soil Health &  Fertility  Scheme  of  Government  of  India.  Soil  Health  &  Fertility  Scheme  assists  states  in promoting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micro nutrients, in conjunction with organic manures & bio-fertilizers for improving  soil  health  and  its  productivity.  Soil  samples  are  processed  following  standard procedures and analyzed for various parameters viz, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulphur and micronutrients (Zinc, Copper, Iron,  Manganese & Boron). SHC provides information to farmers on soil nutrient status (low, medium  &  high)  and  recommendation  on  appropriate  dosage  of  nutrients  to  be  applied  for improving soil health.

- (b): Soil  fertility  maps  for  351  villages  spread across  34 districts of Maharashtra has been generated.
- (c): Soil Fertility Maps provide detailed spatial information about the nutrient composition and health of the soil. It helps farmers in application of fertilizers and soil amendments judiciously, reducing the risk of overuse or underuse. It enhances economic outcomes for farmers, as they are able to maximize their returns with less input, thus increasing overall profitability.
- (d): Geospatial techniques, including remote sensing & AI based tools, are used in Soil Fertility Mapping. The SHC soil sampling point is geo-coded using GPS, the sample is assigned a unique QR Code, and this QR code is retained during analysis in soil testing labs.
- (e): Soil Fertility data in the form of SHCs is made available to farmers.  Farmers can download SHC from the portal by entering registered mobile number. Challenges like logistical, technical, and physical infrastructure barriers are there in remote and hilly areas for soil fertility mapping. Presently  use  of  Village  Level  Soil  Testing  labs  and  mini  labs  in  hilly  and  remote  area  are addressing these challenges.
- (f): Soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies have been identified through comprehensive mapping efforts using soil survey and soil health card data. Through SHC farmers are advised for balanced use of fertilizer to overcome the nutrient deficiencies.
- (g) & (h): Soil fertility mapping is an essential tool which provides precise, location specific data on the nutrient and soil health status. The soil fertility maps enable farmers to identify areas with nutrient deficiencies or surpluses, allowing for targeted fertilizer application customized to the  specific  needs.  Mapping  the  availability  of  nutrients  in  the  soil,  farmers  can  avoid  the indiscriminate use of fertilizers, ensuring appropriate usage. The Scheme is available to all States & UTs.

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