Khet Bachao Abhiyan to focus on soil health, balanced fertiliser use and crop diversification

New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to launch the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026 from Karnal, Haryana, on October 22. The campaign will run until November 30, with a focus on improving soil health, promoting balanced fertiliser use and encouraging sustainable farming practices.

The initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare aims to help farmers make more informed decisions about agricultural inputs, based on soil testing and local farming conditions. It will also promote efficient use of resources, natural farming and better management of crop residues.

A key focus of the campaign will be crop diversification through pulses, oilseeds and horticulture. Farmers will also be encouraged to cultivate fields left fallow after paddy harvesting, improving land utilisation and creating opportunities for additional crop production during the Rabi season.

The campaign will promote the use of organic and bio-based agricultural products, supported by farmer awareness programmes, training sessions and field demonstrations. Soil and water conservation, along with cost-effective farming practices, will also form part of the outreach.

Activities will be organised at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels through farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals and training programmes. Agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes and agricultural universities will work together to reach farmers.

The campaign follows a review of preparations by Chouhan, who called on state governments and district administrations to ensure active participation by farmers and agricultural scientists. Officials have also been asked to strengthen coordination and monitor implementation at the state and district levels.

By combining soil health awareness, crop diversification and improved input management, the campaign seeks to encourage farming practices that support productivity while helping farmers manage cultivation costs. Its impact will depend on how effectively technical guidance and field-level support reach farmers during the Rabi season.