Centre Launches Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Improve Soil Health, Promote Sustainable Farming

Raisen, Madhya Pradesh: The Government of India on Monday launched a month-long nationwide campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, aimed at improving soil health, promoting balanced fertilizer use, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

The campaign was launched by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan from Ramasiya village in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district. The initiative will run from June 1 to June 30 and focus on creating awareness among farmers about soil testing, scientific nutrient management, water conservation, natural farming, and modern agricultural technologies.

Addressing farmers at the launch event, Chouhan stressed that healthy soil is the foundation of profitable and sustainable agriculture. He urged farmers to avoid the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and instead rely on soil testing to determine nutrient requirements.

According to the minister, indiscriminate use of fertilizers not only increases cultivation costs but also damages soil fertility by affecting beneficial microorganisms essential for crop growth. He emphasized that Soil Health Cards should be used more effectively to guide fertilizer application based on actual field requirements.

As part of the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and agriculture department officials will conduct village-level outreach programmes across the country. Farmers will receive training on soil health management, balanced fertilization, improved sowing methods, water-efficient farming techniques, and crop-specific best practices.

The government will also organize field demonstrations for key crops such as soybean, paddy, and pulses. Farmers will be introduced to improved seed varieties, seed treatment methods, laser levelling technology, and other modern farm management practices aimed at increasing productivity while reducing input costs.

The campaign will additionally focus on educating farmers about counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides, crop selection based on local agro-climatic conditions, and the use of green manure to improve soil quality.

Highlighting the broader rural development agenda, Chouhan said women would be linked to self-employment and income-generation opportunities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), while rural youth would receive support through skill development and guidance programmes.

He noted that rural development goes beyond infrastructure creation and should also focus on generating employment opportunities and strengthening livelihoods within villages.

Calling the initiative a national movement to protect agricultural land, the minister said the campaign seeks to ensure that future generations inherit healthy and productive soil. He appealed to farmers, women, youth, scientists, and local institutions to actively participate in the effort and contribute to building a more resilient agricultural sector.

The programme was attended by farmers, agricultural scientists, KVK experts, public representatives, and government officials. Nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children during the event.