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 fertilizers in farmlands. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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.