Soil Health Cards Improve Crop Yields in Nepal

Strategic Insights -

Research by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in Kathmandu, Nepal, has shown that Soil Health Cards (SHCs) can significantly improve crop yields when combined with agricultural extension training. The study focused on the impact of SHCs on fertilizer application and their subsequent influence on rice yields. While 41% of farmers who received SHCs followed the recommended practices, the study found that the key determinants of compliance were education up to the 10th grade, gender, and distance from input markets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that farmers who received SHCs and agricultural extension training experienced a significant increase in rice yields, up to 31-60% compared to the control group's average yield.
  • The key determinants of farmer compliance with SHCs were education up to the 10th grade, gender, and distance from input markets.
  • The study suggests that farmers would benefit from receiving agricultural extension training alongside SHCs.
  • SHCs alone had no impact on crop yields, but when combined with agricultural extension training, they led to a substantial increase in rice yields.
  • The research was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • The study suggests that sustainable and enhanced soil fertility is essential for improving crop yields, and that agricultural extension services and field demonstrations are vital in achieving these goals.

Statistics:

  • 41% of farmers who received SHCs followed the recommended practices.
  • The increase in rice yields for the intervention group was up to 31-60% compared to the control group's average yield.
  • The study found that the key determinants of farmer compliance were education up to the 10th grade (83%), gender (62%), and distance from input markets (55%).
  • The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems in 2025.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings on Agriculture Reported by Investigators at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) (Farmers' Response To Soil Health Card Recommendations: Input Usage and Crop Yield). Agriculture Week. October 30, 2025; p 991.
  • Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems. Farmers' Response To Soil Health Card Recommendations: Input Usage and Crop Yield. 2025.
  • International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT). Research on Soil Health Cards and Agricultural Extension Training. Kathmandu, Nepal.