The government is implementing the National Project on management of Soil Health and fertility since 2008-09 to promote soil test based balanced use of fertilizers. Replying to questions in the Lok sabha, Agricultural minister Sharad Pawar said, these include setting up of mobile soil testing laboratories and strengthening fertiliser quality control. 

Mr. Pawar said, the use of bio fertilisers needs to be encouraged by diversifying subsidies. He said, the government is encouraging the use of soil amendments, micro nutrients, bio fertilisers, organic fertilisers, green manure and organic farming approaches to boost productivity. He said, the attitude of the farmers is showing a definite change towards the option of using bio fertilisers.

The Agricultural minister said, issuing of soil health cards to the farmers will enable them to have soil testing facilities.