Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Promote Sustainable Farming and Soil Conservation

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Sunday launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, calling for a mass movement to protect soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural growth across the country.

The month-long campaign, scheduled to run from June 1 to June 30, aims to create awareness among farmers about scientific farming practices, balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, natural farming, water conservation, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

Addressing farmers, agricultural experts, and local representatives at the launch event, Chouhan emphasized that healthy soil is the foundation of prosperous agriculture and a strong nation. He urged farmers to adopt scientific methods for fertilizer application and avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, warning that excessive chemical usage can degrade soil fertility, destroy beneficial microorganisms, increase cultivation costs, and reduce productivity over time.

Describing the campaign as a “national commitment to protect Mother Earth,” the minister said agricultural scientists, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and government departments would visit villages across the country to educate farmers on sustainable farming practices. These outreach programmes will focus on soil testing, balanced nutrient management, modern sowing techniques, natural farming methods, and efficient water use.

A key focus of the campaign will be expanding awareness about Soil Health Cards. Chouhan stressed that every farmer should possess a Soil Health Card so that fertilizers can be applied according to the actual nutrient requirements of the land. Such scientific nutrient management, he said, would help reduce input costs, improve crop yields, and preserve soil fertility for future generations.

The minister clarified that while the government provides fertilizers at subsidized rates, this should not encourage excessive application. Sustainable agriculture, he noted, depends on balanced and need-based use of fertilizers rather than overconsumption.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to increasing farm profitability, Chouhan announced that special field demonstrations would be organized for soybean, paddy, and pulse crops. Farmers will receive practical training on improved seed varieties, scientific sowing methods, laser land levelling technology, and water-efficient agricultural practices. Regular training sessions will also be conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and other expert institutions.

The campaign will additionally focus on creating awareness about counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides, an issue that has affected agricultural productivity in several regions. Farmers will be guided on selecting suitable crop varieties based on local agro-climatic conditions, adopting appropriate farming systems, implementing seed treatment techniques, and using green manure to improve soil health naturally.

Linking rural development with social empowerment, Chouhan said women would play an important role in the campaign through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Eligible women will receive training, financial assistance, and opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship, helping them become economically independent while contributing to household incomes.

The minister also highlighted the importance of youth participation in rural transformation. He stated that enhanced opportunities for skill development, career guidance, and employment generation would be created to strengthen rural economies. According to him, rural development extends beyond physical infrastructure and includes creating livelihoods, increasing incomes, and promoting self-reliance within villages.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chouhan said the government’s agricultural vision focuses not only on present needs but also on safeguarding resources for future generations. He stressed that protecting soil health today is essential to ensuring food security tomorrow.

Calling upon farmers, women, and youth to actively participate, Chouhan expressed confidence that the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ would evolve into a nationwide people’s movement. He directed officials to maintain regular engagement with villages and provide technical support to farmers so that the campaign’s objectives translate into tangible improvements on the ground.

The launch programme witnessed the participation of a large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, KVK experts, public representatives, and government officials. Nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children during the event, underscoring the campaign’s broader commitment to rural welfare and community development.