The Scheme of Soil Health Card is launched in 2014 and inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 19th February, 2015 at Suratgarh (Rajasthan) and being taken up from the year 2015 – 2016. So, the Govt. of India announced 19th February as Soil health Card Day. With the introduction of this Scheme (SHC) under NMSA, the State of Mizoram had been given a target of 11986nos. of Soil samples to be tested and issue of Soil Health Card based on land holding for the Cycle-I (2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17), a target of 11986nos. for Cycle-II (2017-18, 2018-19) and 2119nos. during 2019-2020.
Objectives – The main objectives of Soil Health Card Scheme is to distribute Soil Health Card to farmers for soil test based fertilizer recommendation to promote Soil health by optimize and judicious use of fertilizer – organic and inorganic.
Activity –
1) Soil Sample Collection.
2) Soil Sample Testing.
3) Portal entry of farmer details in Soil Health Card Portal; Soil Test result and fertilizer recommendation based on soil test result.
4) Printing of Soil Health Card (SHC).
5) Distribution of Soil Health Card (SHC).
6) Demonstration in Farmers field.
7) Training of Farmers/Extension workers.
8) Kissan Mela for Farmers.
2. Serchhip-to cover Serchhip, Champhai & Lunglei
3. Saiha-to cover Saiha & Lawngtlai District
Soil Health Card -
It is field-specific detailed report of oil fertility status and other important soil parameters that affect crop productivity. It also provides an advisory on soil test based use of fertilizers and recommendations as follows –
1) Information regarding soil fertility.
2) Dosage of fertilizer application in crop.
3) Information on soil amendments of saline or alkaline soil.
4) Recommendation on integrated nutrient management.
Soil Health Management aims at promoting location as well as crop specific sustainable Soil Health Management including residue management, organic farming practices, judicious application of fertilizers and minimizing the soil erosion. Also to promote Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through judicious use of chemicals including secondary and micro nutrients, in conjunction with organic manures and bio-fertilizers, for improving soil health and its productivity.
Objectives – The main objectives of Soil Health Management Scheme is setting up of new Laboratories and strengthening of existing Laboratories like Soil Testing Laboratory (STL), Fertilizer Quality Control Laboratory (FQCL), State Bio-Fertilizer Production Unit (SBPU).
Activity –
1) Setting up of new STLs and Mobile Soil Testing Laboratories (MSTLs) for macro nutrients and micro nutrients analysis, Fertilizer Quality Control Laboratories (FQCL) and Bio-fertilizer production Unit (SBPU).
2) Strengthening of existing Laboratories.
3) Capacity building through training of STL Staff/Extension Officers/Farmers and Field demonstrations/Workshop.
4) Promotion and distribution and micro nutrients.
5) Reclamation of acidic, alkaline and saline soils.
6) Preparation of fertility maps.
Laboratories –
1) At present, there are three Static Soil Testing Laboratories in Mizoram i.e. Aizawl, Kolasib & Lunglei with a capacity of 8000, 2000, 2000nos. per annum. Establishment of two new STLs have been proposed for Lawngtlai & Champhai districts and already approved by the Govt. of India.
2) 1 no. of Fertilizer Quality Control laboratory with a capacity of 250 nos. per annum.
3) 1 no. of Bio-fertilizer Production Unit with a capacity of 5 MT per annum.
Fertilizer allocation is one of the most important work under INM Section. The section is responsible for working out the season wise (Kharif & Rabi) requirement of fertilizer based on the cropping area of the State which has to be approved by the GOI during the Zonal Conferences. After approval by GOI, based on the monthly allocation received from them, allotment is given to fertilizer dealers of the State. The Director of Agriculture is the Controller of Fertilizer in the State as per FCO. The State Department is the licensing authority for dealership license; however, license can be given only to those who produce a certificate of source (Form O) from the Company. At present, there are 18 Wholesalers which can participate actively in the business of fertilizer.
Directorate of Agriculture