Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, calling upon farmers across the country to adopt sustainable and scientific agricultural practices to protect soil fertility and secure the future of farming.
Launching the month-long campaign, which will continue from June 1 to June 30, Chouhan said that protecting the health of the soil was essential for ensuring agricultural prosperity, strengthening farmers, and safeguarding the nation’s food security. He stressed that indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was damaging soil fertility, destroying beneficial microorganisms, increasing cultivation costs, and adversely affecting productivity.
Addressing farmers, agricultural scientists, and officials gathered at the programme, the Union Minister said the Earth was “our mother” and protecting it was a collective responsibility. He urged farmers to rely on scientific soil testing and balanced fertilizer use instead of excessive chemical application. According to him, every farmer should possess a Soil Health Card so that fertilizers can be applied according to the actual nutrient requirements of the land.
Chouhan said the campaign would mobilise agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, public representatives, and agriculture department teams to visit villages across the country and create awareness about sustainable farming methods. Farmers will be educated on soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming, water conservation, modern sowing techniques, and scientific agricultural practices.
The minister clarified that while the government provides fertilizers at subsidised rates, subsidies should not encourage overuse. He maintained that long-term agricultural sustainability depends on the balanced and judicious application of fertilizers.
Highlighting the government’s focus on improving farm profitability, Chouhan announced that field demonstrations for soybean, paddy, and pulse crops would be organised in the region. Farmers would also receive training on improved seed varieties, scientific sowing methods, laser leveller technology, and water-efficient farming systems. Regular training programmes would be conducted with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expert institutions.
The campaign will additionally focus on creating awareness against counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers will be guided on suitable crop selection, seed treatment methods, green manure usage, and scientific farming systems based on local agro-climatic conditions. Information about various Central and State government welfare schemes will also be disseminated during the drive.
Linking the initiative with rural development and women’s empowerment, Chouhan said women would be connected to self-employment and income-generation activities through Self-Help Groups. Training, financial assistance, and support for small enterprises would be provided to eligible women to help them become self-reliant.
The Union Minister also emphasised the importance of youth empowerment, saying that skill development, guidance, and employment opportunities would be expanded in rural areas. He remarked that rural development extends beyond infrastructure and must include economic self-reliance and livelihood generation within villages.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a visionary leader, Chouhan said protecting soil health was essential not only for the present generation but also for future generations. He expressed confidence that the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ would eventually evolve into a major people’s movement driven by public participation.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra experts, public representatives, and administrative officials attended the programme. Nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children on the occasion.
