India’s soils are suffering from widespread nutrient deficiencies, with new data showing that 64 percent of samples are low in nitrogen and nearly half also lack organic carbon. This trend is worrying for both crop productivity and climate change mitigation, given that healthy soil stores vital organic carbon while supporting sustainable farming practices, a new assessment study released by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
Since its launch in 2015, the Soil Health Card scheme has aimed to test essential soil parameters and guide farmers on fertilizer practices. However, the program currently examines only 12 chemical markers and has reached a small fraction of the country’s farmers—raising concerns that the true scale of the crisis remains underappreciated. The mismatch between heavy nitrogen fertilizer application and improved soil fertility signals a need for urgent changes in policy and farm management.
CSE Study Highlights Policy Challenges and Opportunities
The recent assessment released at the National Conclave on Sustainable Food Systems points to major gaps in India’s approach to soil health. Key challenges include limited monitoring, low adoption of organic and biochar amendments, and the lack of a holistic, science-driven soil strategy.
The introduction of biochar—a material that increases soil carbon, improves moisture retention, and can serve as a carbon sink—is seen as a promising solution, yet the country lacks standardized production protocols.
Experts Call for Immediate Action and Better Measurement
Officials and experts emphasize that testing only chemical nutrients is insufficient. International best practices recommend including biological and physical properties for a more comprehensive view of soil health.
With more than 140 million farmer households across India, achieving equitable access to quality soil testing and sustainable fertilization guidance is now a top priority for ensuring food security and combating climate change.
