Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has called for transforming the upcoming “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” into a comprehensive national movement aimed at strengthening the connection between farms, farmers, and villages. Chairing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi ahead of the campaign’s launch on June 1, the minister emphasized that the initiative should go beyond awareness generation and deliver practical benefits directly to farming communities.
The month-long campaign has been designed to promote balanced agricultural practices, improve soil health, reduce cultivation costs, and provide timely guidance to farmers facing weather-related challenges. According to the minister, the campaign’s success will depend on active participation from local communities and grassroots institutions rather than a traditional top-down administrative approach.
Shri Chouhan stressed that one of the central objectives of the campaign is to curb the excessive and unscientific use of chemical fertilizers. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt balanced nutrient management practices based on soil testing. The campaign will also promote the use of green manure, organic inputs, and bio-fertilizers to enhance long-term soil fertility and sustainability. Live demonstrations of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) techniques will be conducted across different regions to help farmers understand the benefits of scientific farming practices.
Addressing concerns related to changing weather patterns, the Agriculture Minister highlighted the need for practical, field-level advisories. Farmers will receive region-specific guidance on crop selection, crop diversification, water management, and farming strategies suitable for varying climatic conditions. The campaign aims to provide actionable recommendations that can help farmers minimize risks and improve productivity.
The minister further directed officials to establish a strong foundation for the campaign at the panchayat level. Distribution of agricultural machinery, dissemination of government schemes, and outreach activities will be organized through local governance institutions to ensure maximum participation and impact. He noted that empowering panchayats would help bring agricultural services and benefits closer to farmers.
Shri Chouhan also underlined the importance of broad-based public participation. He said efforts would be made to involve Chief Ministers, state ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, and other public representatives. Their participation, he noted, would help convert the campaign into a mass movement with strong social and political support, ensuring wider acceptance at the grassroots level.
Officials informed the meeting that extensive preparations have already been completed for the campaign. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been designated as key coordinating institutions. More than 1,600 teams have been constituted to carry out field activities across the country. Of these, 500 teams will focus on 100 districts identified for excessive fertilizer use. These teams will include scientists from KVKs, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) centres, and agriculture department officials.
In addition, over 1,150 multidisciplinary teams from ICAR institutes and KVKs will simultaneously conduct outreach and advisory activities. These teams will work directly with farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase awareness about available government support.
The campaign will also serve as a platform to expand the reach of several key agricultural schemes. Farmers who are yet to benefit from initiatives such as the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and PM-KISAN will be identified and connected with these programs. Other focus areas include the Pulses and Oilseeds Mission, Oil Palm cultivation, Cotton Mission, soil health improvement, balanced crop nutrition, water conservation, and region-specific farming advisories.
Concluding the meeting, Shri Chouhan said the campaign’s ultimate goal is to create a new culture of scientific and sustainable agricultural management at the village level. He emphasized that reducing unnecessary fertilizer use, improving soil health, lowering input costs, and increasing farmer awareness would remain the guiding principles of the initiative. By combining scientific knowledge, local participation, and government support, the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” aims to strengthen the foundation of Indian agriculture and ensure long-term benefits for farmers across the country.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
