Soil and Manure Swaraj Campaign Launched in Southern Rajasthan
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Campaign Name | Soil and Manure Swaraj Abhiyan |
| Objective | Improve soil health, promote organic farming, and empower rural women in farming and leadership. |
| Geographic Focus | Six tribal-dominated districts at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, primarily in Banswara (southern Rajasthan). |
| Key Activities | - Upgrading cow dung and farmyard manure using scientific methods.<br>- Increasing soil fertility using rock phosphate and bio-fertilizers.<br>- Training women in soil testing, organic fertilizer production, and co-operative societies management. |
| Associated Programs | National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Soil Health Card Scheme. |
| Expected Outcomes | - Increase agricultural productivity by 20-30%.<br>- Reduce farmers' dependence on chemical fertilizers.<br>- Lower input costs by 15-20%. |
| National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) | Launched in 2011 to eliminate rural poverty by promoting livelihoods and financial access. Focuses on organizing rural households into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and providing training and resources. |
| Soil Health Card Scheme | Launched on February 19, 2015, in Rajasthan. Aims to provide soil health cards to farmers, with a theme of Healthy Earth, Green Fields. Encourages setting up soil testing labs and regular soil assessments every 2 years. |