Ahead of the nationwide launch of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan on June 1, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a virtual interaction with agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutions, agricultural universities, and senior officials from across the country. The interaction aimed to mobilize stakeholders and ensure coordinated efforts for the successful implementation of the campaign, which will begin from Ramsiya village in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district.
Describing the initiative as more than just a government programme, Chouhan emphasized that the campaign is a national movement dedicated to protecting agricultural land, restoring soil health, and securing the future of farming for coming generations. He stressed that increasing temperatures, excessive and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, declining soil fertility, and climate-related challenges have emerged as major threats to agriculture, making immediate intervention necessary.
The Union Minister informed participants that he had personally spoken to Chief Ministers of all states to seek their active support for the campaign. He also appealed to Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, legislators, and other public representatives to join the initiative and contribute to spreading awareness among farmers.
The month-long campaign will focus on educating farmers about scientific and sustainable agricultural practices. Key areas of awareness will include balanced fertilizer application, soil testing, the use of Soil Health Cards, natural farming methods, water conservation, green manuring, crop selection based on local conditions, and strategies for farming in low-rainfall situations. Farmers will also be informed about identifying counterfeit fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, which continue to affect agricultural productivity in many regions.
Chouhan underlined that awareness campaigns alone would not be enough to bring meaningful change. He urged agricultural experts and field officers to build farmers’ confidence through practical demonstrations, scientific evidence, and successful examples from the field. According to him, direct engagement with farming communities is essential to encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
To ensure effective implementation, the Minister directed officials to prepare a detailed action plan extending until June 30. The roadmap should clearly specify the villages to be covered, the officials and scientists assigned to each location, and the schedule of activities. He also called for district-level planning, dashboard-based monitoring systems, and strong coordination among institutions to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.
Highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts, Chouhan said the success of the campaign would depend on the active participation of state agriculture departments, ICAR institutions, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, students, farmer organizations, and public representatives. He encouraged elected leaders to showcase successful examples of natural farming and sustainable agricultural models to inspire wider adoption.
The Union Minister also proposed integrating various government welfare schemes into the campaign. Farmers visiting programme venues will be informed about initiatives such as the Kisan Credit Card scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Cards, Mini Seed Kits, the Pulses and Oilseeds Mission, and agricultural mechanization programmes. He noted that linking these schemes with the campaign would help improve farm productivity, increase awareness, and strengthen farmers’ incomes.
Recognizing the role of communication in achieving the campaign’s objectives, Chouhan emphasized the need for extensive publicity and outreach. He encouraged officials and scientists to actively engage with the media and ensure that information reaches villages across the country. According to him, wider awareness will enhance participation and maximize the campaign’s impact.
Expressing confidence in the initiative, Chouhan said Khet Bachao Abhiyan has the potential to become a landmark movement in India’s agricultural sector. He urged all stakeholders to work with commitment and sensitivity while interacting with farmers and to transform the mission of protecting agricultural land into a people-driven movement.
During the virtual interaction, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Secretary Atish Chandra and ICAR Director General Dr. M. L. Jat also shared their views. The programme witnessed participation from vice-chancellors of agricultural universities, scientists, KVK representatives, state agriculture officials, and senior central government officers, reflecting broad institutional support for the campaign.
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]
