New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, calling it a people’s movement to protect soil health, strengthen farmers, and ensure sustainable agriculture across India.
The month-long campaign will run from June 1 to June 30 across the country with active participation from agricultural experts, scientists, and government officials.
Focus on Soil Health, Balanced Fertilizer Use and Scientific Farming
Launching the campaign, Chouhan emphasized that protecting soil is essential for the future of agriculture and national prosperity. He urged farmers to adopt:
- Balanced fertilizer usage
- Soil testing and Soil Health Cards
- Natural and organic farming practices
- Water conservation techniques
- Scientific crop management
He warned that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduces soil fertility and damages beneficial microorganisms, ultimately increasing farming costs and reducing productivity.
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Nationwide Awareness Drive Involving Experts and Scientists
Under the initiative, teams of:
- Agricultural scientists
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) experts
- Agricultural university professionals
- Government agriculture officers
will visit villages across India to educate farmers on modern farming techniques.
The campaign will also focus on improving awareness about soil testing, nutrient management, seed treatment, and advanced agricultural practices.
Soil Health Cards and Cost Reduction for Farmers
The Union Minister stressed that every farmer should have a Soil Health Card to ensure fertilizer use is based on actual soil requirements.
He said this approach will:
- Reduce cultivation costs
- Improve crop productivity
- Maintain long-term soil fertility
Chouhan also noted that while fertilizers are subsidized by the government, their misuse must be avoided to ensure sustainable agriculture.
Skill Development, Modern Technology and Crop Demonstrations
The campaign will include field demonstrations for key crops such as soybean, paddy, and pulses.
Farmers will be trained in:
- Improved seed usage
- Modern sowing techniques
- Laser land levelling
- Water-efficient irrigation methods
Regular training programmes will also be conducted through agricultural institutions and KVKs.
Women Empowerment Linked with Rural Development
Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that women’s empowerment is a key part of the campaign.
He announced that women will be supported through:
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Skill training programmes
- Financial assistance for small businesses
- Income-generating opportunities
He said this will help women become self-reliant and contribute to household and rural incomes.
Youth Skill Development and Rural Employment Focus
The Union Minister said that the campaign also aims to create opportunities for rural youth through skill development and guidance programmes.
He emphasized that rural development is not limited to infrastructure but also includes employment generation and self-reliance in villages.
Awareness Against Fake Fertilizers and Improved Farming Practices
The initiative will also educate farmers about:
- Fake fertilizers and pesticides
- Suitable crop selection based on local conditions
- Scientific seed treatment methods
- Use of green manure to improve soil fertility
Farmers will also be guided on accessing benefits of various central and state government schemes.
Vision of Sustainable Agriculture for Future Generations
Chouhan described the campaign as a long-term mission to protect Mother Earth, stating that soil must remain healthy for future generations.
He said the initiative is aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of sustainable and future-ready agriculture.
Nationwide Participation and Community Involvement
The launch event witnessed participation from farmers, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra experts, public representatives, and administrative officials.
On the occasion, nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children, highlighting the government’s broader focus on rural welfare and nutrition.
About ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’
‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ is a nationwide agricultural awareness and reform campaign aimed at promoting soil conservation, scientific farming practices, and farmer empowerment through technology, education, and community participation.
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