Adoption of Soil Health Card by Farmers in Haryana: Perceptions, Challenges and Way Forward

Ramphul Ohlan; Anshu Ohlan; Rajbir  Singh

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2025.61104

Authors

Ramphul Ohlan Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3367-2631
Anshu Ohlan Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal (Sonepat), Haryana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0489-3793
Rajbir Singh Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2025.61104

Keywords:

Soil Health, Fertilizer, Haryana, Leasehold Land System, Adoption, Impediments

Abstract

The Soil Health Card (SHC) program aims to enhance soil health by providing farmers with detailed information about the nutrient status of their soil. This study investigated farmers' perceptions, challenges, and potential pathways to enhance the adoption of SHC recommendations in Haryana. The analysis was based on primary data collected through face-to-face interviews with SHC adopters and non-adopters, utilizing a pre-tested semi-structured schedule in 2024. The findings revealed that farmers' perceptions of the benefits of the SHC remained low. The perceived constraints in obtaining SHC scored higher than those associated with implementing its recommendations. The study identified the annual lease land system as a key factor driving the indiscriminate use of fertilizers in the state. Although the recent reduction in the per-bag quantity of urea decreased usage in Haryana, any further reduction in bag weight might result in increased fertilizer consumption. The study recommended the use of mobile soil testing vans and timely delivery of soil health cards to promote greater adoption.

Author Biographies

Ramphul Ohlan, Maharshi Dayanand University, Haryana

Elevated in Stanford University World’s Top 2% Scientists List, 2023 and 2024

Institute of Management Studies and Research, Professor Management
Anshu Ohlan, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal (Sonepat), Haryana

Anshu Ohlan attained Ph.D. in Mathematics from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology, Murthal (Sonepat), Haryana, India, in 2016. She is presently working as a Lecturer of Mathematics in the Department of Education, Government of Haryana, India.
Rajbir Singh, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana

Prof. Rajbir Singh is known for his contributions to academia, research, and academic leadership. He has been actively involved in enhancing the academic standards of the university and promoting research excellence. Prof. Singh emphasizes innovation, quality education, and research excellence, fostering an environment conducive to capacity building and the development of faculty and students alike.

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