What happened?
A PIB backgrounder dated 24 July 2026 explained why soil health is being treated as a strategic national resource for agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods. The note connects soil testing, balanced nutrient use, natural farming, climate resilience and digital advisory tools.
Key facts
- The backgrounder says the Soil Health Card Scheme has generated over 25.89 crore cards since inception.
- It states that the National Mission on Natural Farming has expanded to 18,786 clusters covering 8.80 lakh hectares, with more than 18.19 lakh farmers enrolled as of March 2026.
- The note links soil health with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- The release says the Khet Bachao Abhiyan ran during 1-30 June 2026 to promote soil test-based nutrient management and balanced fertiliser use.
- It also highlights digital tools such as geospatial soil mapping, AgriStack-linked data systems and AI-based advisory support for more precise farm decisions.
Why it matters
This topic matters because exam questions increasingly connect agriculture with sustainability, climate adaptation, productivity and technology. Soil health is no longer just a static geography topic; it now links directly to farm policy, fertiliser efficiency and long-term resilience.
Exam takeaway
Remember the policy angle: soil health supports productivity, climate resilience and input efficiency. The key official anchors are the Soil Health Card Scheme, the National Mission on Natural Farming, and the use of digital and AI-based advisory systems in agriculture.
Source metadata
Authority: Press Information Bureau, PIB Backgrounder
Publication date: 24 July 2026
Official source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2288740&lang=1®=3
Useful excerpt
Official source highlight: the backgrounder says over 25.89 crore Soil Health Cards have been generated and the National Mission on Natural Farming has expanded to 18,786 clusters covering 8.80 lakh hectares.