Consider the following statements:
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
- 1.expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
- 2.enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
- 3.checking the overuse of fertilisers in farmlands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B. 3 only
The Soil Health Card Scheme provides farmers with crucial information about the health of their soil, enabling them to manage nutrient application more effectively. This directly leads to preventing the overuse of chemical fertilizers, which is a primary objective. While soil health can indirectly influence irrigation needs and creditworthiness, these are not the direct, stated aims of the scheme itself. The scheme focuses on promoting balanced fertilization and improving soil productivity.
Source: UPSC gs1 2017