RKVY Village Level Soil Testing Lab 2026: ₹1.5 Lakh Aid, Eligibility & Process
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Quick answer
The RKVY Village Level Soil Testing Lab scheme provides a one-time grant of ₹1.5 lakh to rural youth and community groups to set up village soil testing labs. Eligible candidates aged 18 to 27 who are 10th pass with science can apply to run testing centres for local farmers. Selection and approvals are handled offline through district and state level executive committees.
At a glance
| Main benefit | ₹1.5 lakh one-time financial assistance |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Level | Central Government |
| Age | 18–27 years |
| Application mode | Offline |
About the scheme
The RKVY Soil Health and Fertility Village Level Soil Testing Lab (VLSTL) initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare aims to bring soil testing facilities directly to the village doorstep. The programme empowers rural youth, self-help groups, and local institutions to set up and operate testing centres, creating rural self-employment while helping farmers receive quick, accurate nutrient recommendations. By monitoring soil health locally, the scheme supports optimized fertiliser use and strengthens grassroot agricultural infrastructure.
Benefits
- One-time financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh provided via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- ₹1.00 lakh allocated for soil testing equipment, reagents, sample shaker machine, and one year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC)
- ₹0.50 lakh allocated for distilled water, pH meter, conductivity meter, electronic balance, glassware, filter papers, and consumables
- Generates rural self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for local youth
- Provides farmers with low-cost and quick access to soil testing results and customised nutrient advice
- Comprehensive training provided by the state government and manufacturers on sample collection, machine testing, and generating Soil Health Cards
Who can apply (eligibility)
- Applicant age must be between 18 and 27 years
- Minimum educational qualification of 10th pass with science and knowledge of computers
- Applicant or entrepreneur group must possess own premises or a rented building with a lease agreement of at least four years
- Eligible applicants include rural youth, village-level entrepreneurs, Krishi Sakhis, students of government schools, agriculture graduates from SAUs, PACS, and SHGs formed under the RAWE programme
- The testing laboratory must be operated by local youth
Who cannot apply
- Applicants outside the age bracket of 18 to 27 years
- Applicants without a minimum 10th pass qualification in science or lacking basic computer knowledge
- Applicants without proof of premises ownership or a minimum 4-year valid lease agreement
Documents required
- Aadhaar number
- Land documents or lease agreement for premises (minimum 4 years)
- Bank account details
- Passport size photographs
- Educational qualification certificate (10th pass mark sheet showing science subject)
How to apply
- 1Participate in the transparent identification process conducted at the village level for individual young entrepreneurs or community groups like SHGs and PACS.
- 2Identify and finalize suitable premises or a rented building with a minimum four-year lease for the establishment of the laboratory.
- 3Submit your proposal along with proof of premises and required documents to the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC).
- 4Wait for the State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) to review and finalise the proposal forwarded by the DLEC within a maximum period of one month.
- 5Receive the one-time financial grant via Direct Benefit Transfer from the state government within one week of approval.
- 6Procure the required lab equipment and consumables, and submit the procurement receipts to the DLEC within 15 days of receiving the funds.
Frequently asked questions
How much financial assistance is provided under this scheme?+
A one-time financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh is provided to set up the lab, covering machines, AMC, and essential consumables.
Who is eligible to set up a village level soil testing lab?+
Rural youth aged 18 to 27 who are 10th pass with science and have computer knowledge, as well as SHGs under RAWE, Krishi Sakhis, PACS, and agriculture graduates.
What is the educational requirement for the entrepreneur?+
The applicant must have passed class 10th with science and possess working knowledge of computers.
How long does the approval process take?+
The State Level Executive Committee (SLEC) finalises the proposals received from the District Level Executive Committee (DLEC) within a maximum of one month.
When is the grant released after approval?+
The state government releases the financial assistance within one week of application approval.
Will training be provided to operate the lab?+
Yes, training will be organized by the state government and manufacturers on sample collection, testing methods, equipment maintenance, and generating Soil Health Cards.
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