RKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village level Soil Testing Lab
This RKVY sub-scheme gives a one-time grant of ₹1.5 lakh to young rural entrepreneurs (aged 18–27) or community groups (SHGs, PACS, agriculture graduates) to set up village-level soil testing laboratories. These labs bring affordable soil testing directly to farmers at the village level, creating self-employment while reducing the need for farmers to travel to distant government labs. Apply through your State/District Agriculture office.
About This Scheme
This RKVY sub-scheme gives a one-time grant of ₹1.5 lakh to young rural entrepreneurs (aged 18–27) or community groups (SHGs, PACS, agriculture graduates) to set up village-level soil testing laboratories. These labs bring affordable soil testing directly to farmers at the village level, creating self-employment while reducing the need for farmers to travel to distant government labs. Apply through your State/District Agriculture office.
Full official description
Village level labs can be set up by rural youth, village-level entrepreneurs, including SHGs set up under The Rural Awareness Works Experience (RAWE) programme, Krishi Sakhis, students of government schools, and agriculture graduates from SAUs, PACS, etc. The labs should be operated by local youth.
Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh will be given for establishment of VLSTL.
S. No,ComponentCost (Rs. lakhs)1Soil testing with reagents & sample shaker machine with machine and AMC for one year1.002Distilled water, pH meter, Conductivity meter, Electronic balance, Glass-ware, filter-papers, and other need-based consumables0.50Total1.50
Payment to VLSTLs will be made through DBT mode (provision is to be done by state).
The key objectives of the Mission are as follows:
- Provide easy access to soil testing facilities for farmers at the grassroot level, and offer affordable soil testing to farmers without the need for traveling long distances.
- Provide farmers with timely and accurate soil analysis results to enable them to make informed decision regarding fertiliser application and soil management practices.
- Facilitate customized soil nutrient recommendations based on test results
- Increase farmers’ awareness about soil health and the importance of soil testing.
- Enable farmers to optimize their fertiliser use and minimise input costs, and hence avoid under- or over- application
- Facilitate long-term soil health monitoring and planning
- Enable collection of soil data at local level. This data may be used for conducting studies, formulating policies, developing region-specific agricultural interventions.
- Increase employment at village level
- Strengthen soil testing laboratories in the country
Benefits
- One-time grant of ₹1.5 lakh from the government
- ₹1 lakh for soil testing machine, reagents, sample shaker, and 1-year AMC
- ₹0.5 lakh for pH meter, conductivity meter, electronic balance, glassware, and consumables
- Payment via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Creates village-level self-employment and generates income from farmer payments for soil tests
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Age between 18 and 27 years (for individual applicants)
- Minimum qualification: 10th pass with Science and basic computer knowledge
- Must have own or rented premises with a lease agreement of at least 4 years
- Community applicants eligible: PACS, SHGs, government school students, agriculture graduates from State Agriculture Universities, etc.
How to Apply
Step 01: Identification of individual beneficiary i.e. village level young entrepreneur and community based beneficiaries i.e., PACS, SHGs, School, Agriculture University, etc., in a transparent and time-bound manner
Step 02: Identification of premises for establishment of VLSTL
Step 03: Verification of proof of procure land equipment / inputs.
Step 04: SLEC will finalise the entrepreneur’s proposals received from the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC). The entire procedure will take maximum one month.
Step 05: State government will release financial assistance to entrepreneurs within a week after approval of application
Step 06: Entrepreneurs after receiving fund will submit receipts of procurement of lab equipment, consumables, etc. to DLEC within 15 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Will necessary training be provided to entrepreneur after setting up VLSTL?
Yes, training programme will be organised by state government and manufacturer for beneficiary entrepreneur. Training will include topics such as how to collect sample using mobile application, sampling methodology, how to run tests, maintenance of machines, how to use consumables, and how to generate Soil Health Cards using test results through SHC portal.
How will awareness be generated among farmers regarding SHC?
Entrepreneurs will be trained for awareness generation of farmers about fertiliser use and crop recommendation based on Soil health Card.
On what basis will VLSTL provide recommendations?
VLSTL will generate customised soil nutrient recommendations based on analysis results. By considering the specific nutrient requirements of different crops and the nutrient levels in the soil, these labs provide farmers with recommendations for fertiliser application.
Are there any additional incentives for certain genders, or certain caste/minority farmers?
No, the scheme treats all farmers as equal,
Can village level STLs be set up by SHGs?
Yes, VLSTLs can be set up by SHGs under The Rural Awareness Works Experience (RAWE) programme, Krishi Sakhis, students of government schools, and agriculture graduates from SAUs, PACS, etc. The labs should be operated by local youth.
Is there a minimum education requirement for the entrepreneur setting up the VLSTL?
Yes, the applicant should be 10th pass with science and knowledge of computer
How much time will the approval from SLEC take?
SLEC will finalise the entrepreneur's proposals received from the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC). The entire procedure will take maximum one month.
Post approval from SLEC, how much time will it take for release of funds?
State government will release financial assistance to entrepreneurs within a week after approval of application
When should the entrepreneur submit bills/receipts of procurement?
Entrepreneurs after receiving fund will submit receipts of procurement of lab equipment, consumables, etc. to DLEC within 15 days
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- ) Aadhaar number
- ) Land documents
- ) Bank details
- ) Photographs
- The specific documents for availing the benefits of the program may vary depending on the type of intervention and the state. It is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities for detailed information on documents to be submitted.