India Issues Over 25.8 Crore Soil Health Cards, Expands Natural Farming to 8.8 Lakh Hectares

New Delhi, July 24 – The central government announced that more than 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued under the Soil Health Card Scheme. The programme, aimed at balanced fertilizer use, has been supported by Agricultural Technology Management Agencies and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, which together conducted about 7.17 lakh field demonstrations.

In parallel, the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) now covers 18,786 clusters, translating to roughly 8.80 lakh hectares of land. The mission promotes climate‑smart, low‑input farming practices across these clusters.

Over 70,002 agricultural extension workers have been trained to deliver soil‑health advice at the village level. The School Soil Health Programme has enrolled 4,430 schools and 1,29,167 students for the 2025‑26 year, further spreading awareness among youth.

Modern tools such as digital platforms, geospatial mapping, and artificial intelligence are being leveraged to assess soil properties and provide tailored nutrient recommendations. These interventions aim to boost productivity, mitigate climate change, and secure long‑term agricultural sustainability.

The government highlighted that more than 46% of India’s workforce is engaged in agriculture and related sectors, making soil health a direct driver of farmer incomes, food security, and economic stability.