Soil health is increasingly recognised as a strategic pillar of agricultural sustainability in India, where farming supports nearly half of the population. Beyond crop production, soils regulate water, store carbon and sustain biodiversity. Yet despite India’s success in achieving food security, soil degradation remains a structural challenge, with erosion, salinity and declining organic matter affecting an estimated 30% of land.
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One of the most visible policy responses has been the Soil Health Card programme, launched in 2015. To date, over 25 crore soil health cards have been issued, providing plot-specific nutrient recommendations to farmers. This initiative is supported by a large testing infrastructure of more than 8,000 laboratories and extensive soil fertility mapping efforts. By improving nutrient management at farm level, the programme aims to address imbalances caused by the overuse of nitrogen fertilisers and widespread micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc and boron.
However, significant challenges persist. Soil organic carbon levels in many regions have fallen below optimal thresholds, reducing water retention capacity and microbial activity. Monocropping, crop residue burning and climate-related events such as floods are exacerbating degradation trends. For many smallholder farmers, limited access to credit and affordable sustainable inputs constrains the adoption of improved practices.
At the same time, innovation is creating new opportunities. Digital soil testing tools, AI-based advisory platforms and precision application technologies are helping farmers tailor nutrient use more effectively. Research institutions such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research are advancing microbial solutions and soil carbon enhancement techniques. The market for biofertilisers and organic amendments is expanding, reflecting growing demand for residue-free produce.
Policy incentives are reinforcing this shift. The PM-PRANAM scheme promotes reduced fertiliser use through financial rewards to states, while adjustments under the Nutrient-Based Subsidy framework encourage more balanced fertilisation. Together, these measures signal a gradual transition from input-intensive agriculture toward more soil-centred management.
Ensuring long-term agricultural competitiveness in India will depend on integrating policy support, technological innovation and farmer education. Restoring soil health is not solely an environmental objective, it is central to climate resilience, productivity and the future stability of India’s food system.
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