Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign) will be transformed into a long-term national mission, underscoring the Centre’s renewed focus on sustainable agriculture, balanced fertiliser use and conservation of natural resources.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the campaign and the launch of the Haryana Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mission at the College of Agriculture in Bawal, Haryana, Chouhan said the future of Indian agriculture depends on protecting soil health while improving farmers’ incomes. The event was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, agricultural experts, public representatives and farmers.
Prosperous Farmers Key to Developed India
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said the vision of a self-reliant and developed India can only be achieved when farmers become economically strong and empowered. He praised Haryana for implementing several farmer-centric initiatives, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement for 24 crops, the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana and schemes such as Meri Fasal, Mera Byora and Mera Pani, Meri Virasat.
According to the Union Minister, these initiatives have positioned Haryana as a model for agricultural governance, efficient resource management and farmer welfare. He suggested that other states could benefit from adopting similar approaches to strengthen their agricultural systems.
Reflecting on India’s agricultural journey, Chouhan recalled a time when the country relied on imported wheat to meet domestic food requirements. Today, he said, India has become self-sufficient in food production and has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, with Haryana making a significant contribution to this transformation.
Warning Against Excessive Chemical Use
A major focus of Chouhan’s address was the deteriorating health of agricultural soils due to excessive and imbalanced use of fertilisers and pesticides.
He urged farmers to apply fertilisers only after scientific soil testing and warned that indiscriminate use of urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) damages soil fertility, increases acidity, disrupts nutrient balance and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Drawing a comparison with medical treatment, he explained that just as the wrong dosage of medicine can harm a patient, excessive fertiliser application weakens the soil’s natural productivity. Such degradation eventually affects crop quality, food safety and human health, he cautioned.
The Minister stressed that preserving soil fertility today is essential for ensuring food security for future generations.
Technology to Support Scientific Farming
Highlighting the role of digital technology, Chouhan said the government is developing a mobile-based system that will allow farmers to instantly access information from their Soil Health Cards.
Using the application, farmers will be able to identify nutrient deficiencies in their fields and determine the precise quantity and type of fertiliser required. He said this technology-driven approach would reduce unnecessary input costs, improve crop productivity and promote scientific nutrient management while protecting soil health.
Promoting Natural Farming and Climate Resilience
The Minister also encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices, beginning with a small portion of their land to experience the benefits before expanding the model.
He observed that excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides has reduced beneficial microorganisms and earthworm populations in agricultural fields, weakening soil ecosystems. Restoring biological diversity, reducing chemical inputs and promoting sustainable farming, he said, are critical for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Referring to climate-related challenges, including the possibility of below-normal rainfall due to El Niño, Chouhan said the Centre and Haryana government are jointly promoting crop varieties that require less water and mature more quickly.
He also welcomed Haryana’s decision to provide an incentive of ₹8,000 per acre to farmers shifting from paddy cultivation to pulses, describing it as a significant step towards conserving groundwater, improving soil fertility, diversifying cropping patterns and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
Campaign to Become a Nationwide Mission
Declaring that the Khet Bachao Abhiyan has entered a new phase, Chouhan said the campaign would now evolve into a nationwide movement rather than ending with the current programme.
Calling it “a new beginning,” he announced that he would personally participate in campaign-related activities in different states at least one day every week to promote balanced fertiliser use, soil conservation and sustainable farming practices.
The programme concluded with the Union Minister administering a collective pledge to farmers, women and youth to support the “Save the Fields, Save the Earth” movement by adopting environmentally responsible farming practices.
Expressing confidence in Haryana’s agricultural model, Chouhan said its combination of scientific farming, technological innovation, water conservation and farmer-focused policies could serve as a blueprint for agricultural reforms across India, helping build a stronger rural economy and realise the vision of a developed nation.
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]
