Survey of 2,54,236 soil samples across 620 districts in 29 states, conducted by ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal
NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Uttar Pradesh Department of Agriculture has filed its response before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Original Application No. 621 of 2025, a suo motu matter initiated on the basis of a November 10, 2025 news report on an ICAR study examining the impact of imbalance in fertiliser use on soil organic carbon. The department’s affidavit states that the study, conducted by ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal, surveyed 2,54,236 soil samples from 620 districts across 29 states. In its response, the department said Uttar Pradesh has undertaken measures to promote balanced and judicious fertiliser use, improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers. These measures include the Soil Health Card Programme, promotion of organic and natural farming, use of bio-fertilisers and farmer training. The response is a statement placed before the tribunal by the department; it does not constitute a finding or final direction by the NGT in the matter.
Soil Carbon Concern
The department’s own soil-sample data placed before the tribunal shows a high share of sampled soils falling below the stated standard for organic carbon and nitrogen. According to the affidavit, 98.05% of 103.33 lakh soil samples analysed between 2017 and 2019 had organic carbon below 0.50%. For the 2023–25 period, the corresponding figure was 99.87% of 23.95 lakh samples. The response also reported that 86.76% of samples in 2017–19 and 97% in 2023–25 had nitrogen below 280 kg per hectare. The affidavit presents these figures as the comparative position based on samples analysed in the respective periods. Since the sample numbers differ substantially between the two periods, the filing does not itself establish a like-for-like statewide trend. Nevertheless, the data underscores the central concern in the NGT matter: soil organic carbon and nutrient status remain an important agricultural and environmental issue requiring sustained soil-health interventions.
Cards Reach Farmers
Uttar Pradesh said its centrally funded Soil Health Card Programme has operated from the Kharif season of 2015–16. Under the programme, soil samples are analysed for 12 parameters, after which farmers receive recommendations on the quantity and combination of fertilisers appropriate for different crops. The Agriculture Department stated that it also conducts awareness and training activities to support adoption of these recommendations. From Kharif 2015–16 to Rabi 2025–26, the state said it collected and analysed 140.41 lakh soil samples. It also reported issuing 412.10 lakh free Soil Health Cards to farmers during this period. The cards contain information on the tested soil parameters and recommendations for balanced fertiliser use, the affidavit said. The programme is significant because fertiliser decisions at farm level are often shaped by availability, cost and traditional practice; soil testing is intended to provide a scientific basis for matching nutrient application with crop and soil requirements.
Natural Farming Expansion
The department also detailed its organic and natural farming programmes, implemented through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Namami Gange Yojana, National Mission on Natural Farming and the state-funded Bundelkhand Gau Adharit Prakritik Kheti Scheme. Under PKVY and Namami Gange, it reported covering 8,854 clusters, 1,77,080 hectares and 2,88,257 farmers through training and programme activities. Under the National Mission on Natural Farming, the state said 2,324 clusters covering 1,16,200 hectares and 2,90,500 farmers had been covered across all 75 districts. In Bundelkhand, the state reported that 470 clusters covering 0.23 lakh hectares and 21,934 farmers had been included in seven districts since 2022–23. The affidavit further said two-day Prakritik Kheti Karyshalas were organised in all 75 districts under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. These workshops were aimed at awareness on natural farming, lowering dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and improving soil health through scientific guidance at village level.
Biofertiliser Distribution Grows
Bio-fertilisers are being produced through departmental laboratories and supplied through government seed stores at development-block level across all 75 districts, according to the response. Eligible farmers can receive subsidised Rhizobium, Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) bio-fertilisers through an online, at-source subsidy system on the department’s Darshan portal. The stated entitlement is up to eight kilograms, or 40 packets, per crop season for a maximum of two hectares, subject to scheme conditions. The department said more than 50,000 farmers have been trained as resource farmers on integrated nutrient management and bio-fertiliser use from 2024–25. It estimated annual savings of 12,650.40 quintals of nitrogen and 2,951.76 quintals of phosphorus from programme implementation. Over five years, from 2021–22 to 2025–26, the affidavit records total subsidised distribution of 47,75,127 units of Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSB bio-fertilisers. The department said these inputs are intended to support fertiliser-use efficiency, improve the carbon-nitrogen ratio and reduce cultivation costs.
| Particular | Verified detail from Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Department’s NGT response |
|---|---|
| Matter before NGT | Original Application No. 621 of 2025, initiated suo motu from a news report on imbalance in fertiliser use and soil organic carbon |
| ICAR study cited | Survey of 2,54,236 soil samples across 620 districts in 29 states, conducted by ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, Bhopal |
| Soil Health Card period | Kharif 2015–16 to Rabi 2025–26 |
| Soil samples analysed | 140.41 lakh |
| Soil Health Cards issued | 412.10 lakh free cards |
| Organic carbon status, 2017–19 | 98.05% of 103.33 lakh analysed samples reported below 0.50% |
| Organic carbon status, 2023–25 | 99.87% of 23.95 lakh analysed samples reported below 0.50% |
| Nitrogen status, 2017–19 | 86.76% of samples reported below 280 kg per hectare |
| Nitrogen status, 2023–25 | 97% of samples reported below 280 kg per hectare |
| PKVY and Namami Gange coverage | 8,854 clusters; 1,77,080 hectares; 2,88,257 farmers |
| Natural farming mission | 2,324 clusters; 1,16,200 hectares; 2,90,500 farmers across all 75 districts |
| Bundelkhand scheme | 470 clusters; 0.23 lakh hectares; 21,934 farmers in seven districts since 2022–23 |
| Bio-fertiliser distribution | 47,75,127 units of Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSB distributed under subsidy from 2021–22 to 2025–26 |
| Resource farmer training | More than 50,000 farmers trained from 2024–25 |
| Estimated annual nutrient savings | 12,650.40 quintals of nitrogen and 2,951.76 quintals of phosphorus |
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