Socio-Economic Factors Affecting the Perception of Farmers towards Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme in Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Soil is an important component of farming since it delivers nutrients to the plants. Soil health is critical for ensuring long-term agricultural production. “National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) was implemented during 12th Plan with the objective of making agriculture more productive, sustainable and climate resilient. Conserving natural resources, to adopt comprehensive soil health management practices and optimize utilization of water resources are also objectives of NMSA. As a part of comprehensive soil health management Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme was started by the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Soil test-based nutrient management has emerged as a key issue in efforts to increase agricultural productivity and production, because optimal nutrient use, based on soil analysis, can improve crop productivity and minimize wastage of these nutrients, minimizing environmental impact and leading to bias through optimal production. Governments do efforts towards these through Soil Health Cards. The present study was conducted in Anantapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh in view of assessing the socio economic factors influencing the perception level of the farmers on Soil Health Card scheme. Results revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship of perception towards SHC scheme with respect to education, land holding, mass media exposure, social participation, extension contact, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, innovativeness, management orientation and achievement motivation at 0.01%level of significance, where as cropping intensity at 0.05 %level of significance. Farming experience and family type had a negative and non-significant association with farmers' perceptions of the SHC scheme, whereas age and yearly income had a positive and non-significant relationship with farmers' perceptions of the system.