Context:

• The 'Har Khet-Swasth Khet' campaign, launched by the Haryana government, is a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the state.

Key Points:

• This campaign is part of a broader strategy to empower farmers with essential information regarding soil fertility and nutrient management, which are crucial for improving crop productivity and ensuring food security.

Objectives

The 'Har Khet-Swasth Khet' campaign is built on several key objectives that collectively aim to transform agricultural practices in Haryana:

1. Soil health assessment: The campaign seeks to collect soil samples from every acre of agricultural land in Haryana. By assessing the overall health of the soil, the initiative aims to identify deficiencies and recommend appropriate interventions to improve soil quality.
2. Soil health cards: A cornerstone of the campaign is the provision of Soil Health Cards to all farmers. These cards serve as personalized reports that inform farmers about the nutrient status of their soil, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding nutrient management and crop selection based on specific soil conditions.
3. Promotion of sustainable practices: The campaign emphasizes the adoption of sustainable farming practices that enhance long-term agricultural productivity without degrading soil health. This includes promoting crop rotation, organic farming, and the judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Massive soil sampling initiative: Over the next three to four years, the campaign plans to collect 70 lakh soil samples. As of now, approximately 55 lakh samples have been analyzed, leading to the distribution of over 86 lakh Soil Health Cards to farmers, thereby significantly enhancing their understanding of soil health.

Infrastructure development

To support the objectives of the 'Har Khet-Swasth Khet' campaign, the Haryana government has established a robust infrastructure for soil and water testing:

• Testing laboratories: The establishment of 17 permanent soil and water testing laboratories and 54 small testing labs in mandis (markets) facilitates easy access for farmers. This infrastructure ensures that farmers can obtain timely and accurate soil testing services.
• Engagement with educational institutions: The campaign has also set up 240 small testing labs in schools and colleges, engaging students in practical learning while contributing to soil testing efforts. This initiative not only enhances the educational experience of students but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.

Technological integration and data accessibility

• The Haryana government launched the 'Har Khet-Swasth Khet' portal, which allows farmers to access their soil testing data online.
• This digital platform helps farmers monitor trends in soil health and fertility, making it easier for them to implement necessary changes in their farming practices. The integration of technology in soil analysis represents a significant step towards modernizing agricultural practices in the state.

Recognition and Impact

• The Soil Health Card project has garnered recognition for its significant contribution to sustainable agriculture in Haryana, receiving a Gold Medal from the Skotch Group. This accolade underscores the campaign's effectiveness in promoting soil health and sustainable farming practices.