Prelims 2017 · Agriculture · Question 22
Consider the following statements: The nation-wide 'Soil Health Card Scheme' aims at
- expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
- enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
- checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer
3 only
1. Expanding the cultivable area under irrigation — The Soil Health Card Scheme is about testing soil and recommending nutrients/fertilizers; it is not an irrigation expansion programme. Verdict: Incorrect.
2. Enabling banks to assess loan quantum on the basis of soil quality — The scheme does not aim to help banks decide farm loans; its purpose is agronomic advice to farmers. Verdict: Incorrect.
3. Checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands — This is a core objective: promote balanced nutrient use based on soil testing and reduce excessive fertilizer application. Verdict: Correct.
Hence, only statement 3 is correct.