enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
The correct answer is 3 only.
Soil Health Card (SHC)
This is a scheme promoted and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India’s Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.
Itprovides the farmer Soil nutrient status of his/her holding and advice on fertiliser dosage and soil amendments that she/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run.
SHC is a printed report that will contain the status of his soil concerning 12 parameters, namely:
N, P, K (Macro-nutrients);
S (Secondary- nutrient);
Cu, Mn, Bo, Zn, Fe (Micro-nutrients); and
pH, EC, OC (Physical parameters).
Based on the soil nutrient status, the SHC will recommend fertiliser and soil amendments for the farm. Hence, statement 3 is correct, while statements 1 and 2 are incorrect/irrelevant.