National Project on Soil Health and Fertility was a sub-scheme of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) under Umbrella Scheme–Green Revolution-Krishonnati in “Agriculture Sector during 14th Finance Commission period. Now, it is being implemented as a Soil Health component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Scheme during 15th Finance Commission period. Soil Health component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Scheme is a continuing scheme with aim to promote soil test based Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through conjunctive use of chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers. Promotion of INM system is expected to reduce consumption of chemical fertilizers and increase use of organic sources of plant nutrients, which in turn improve the soil fertility as well as nutrient use efficiency.

Budget estimates are prepared by the department on the basis of actual release in the previous year and the estimated demand in the current year. However, the actual release of funds is dependent upon various enabling conditions like utilization of funds released earlier, submission of Utilization certificate, receipt of physical-financial progress, receipt of matching State share compliance by States /UT’s of relevant Government of India guidelines etc. Non fulfillment of enabling conditions adversely affects the release funds to States/ UTs.

Due to various reasons, the demand of funds by states, compile in all aspects, and release of funds to States was slow during 2021-22, leading to reduction in allocation from Rs.350.00 Cr at BE Stage to Rs.100.00 Cr at RE stage.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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SNC/PK/2299

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