A Study on Knowledge and Utilization of Soil Health Card by Small and Marginal Farmers in Nalanda District of Bihar

Abstract

Soil health and fertility is the basis for sustainable profitability of the 
farmers.Hence, there is a need for balanced use of fertilizers, keeping this government of 
India introduced Soil Health Card Scheme across India. On 5th December 2015 the 
ministry of agriculture introduced the soil health card (SHC) scheme.Some farmers 
complained that the soil test values are not representative of their fields and they also 
complained that the field staff are not collected soil samples in their presence.In this 
background an attempt was made to study the impact on socio-economic conditions of the 
small and marginal farmers.Total of 120 respondents was selected in Ekangarsarai block, 
Nalanda district, Bihar by purposive sampling method. The data was collected from them 
and analyzed using MS-excel.Given the short duration of the scheme, knowledge levels are 
good. At the same time participation of farmers in meetings, exposure visits are not high. 
Awareness campaigns need to be organized on content of SHCs, use of recommended 
practices, reduction in fertilizer use and costs and increase in profitability.