Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, calling for a collective effort to protect soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The month-long campaign, which will run from June 1 to June 30 across the country, aims to create awareness among farmers about balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, natural farming, water conservation and scientific agricultural methods.
Addressing farmers at the launch event, Chouhan said healthy soil is essential for prosperous agriculture, stronger farmers and a developed nation. Describing the Earth as “our mother”, he urged farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and instead adopt scientific nutrient management based on soil testing.
The minister said excessive use of chemical inputs reduces soil fertility, damages beneficial microorganisms and increases cultivation costs while affecting long-term productivity.
Under the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agriculture department officials and public representatives will visit villages across the country to educate farmers on modern and sustainable farming techniques.
Chouhan stressed the importance of Soil Health Cards, saying every farmer should have one to ensure fertilisers are applied according to the actual nutrient requirements of the land. He noted that balanced fertiliser use can reduce input costs, improve crop productivity and preserve soil fertility.
The minister said the campaign is part of the government’s broader effort to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable. He announced that special field demonstrations would be organised for soybean, paddy and pulse crops, while farmers would receive training on improved seeds, scientific sowing methods, laser levelling technology and water-efficient farming practices.
Highlighting the role of women in rural development, Chouhan said women would be linked with employment and income-generation opportunities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Training and financial assistance would be provided to support entrepreneurship and self-reliance among rural women.
He also underlined the need to create greater opportunities for rural youth through skill development, guidance and employment-oriented initiatives. According to the minister, rural development extends beyond infrastructure creation and must focus on generating livelihoods and economic self-sufficiency.
The campaign will also raise awareness about counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides while providing guidance on crop selection, seed varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions, seed treatment methods and the use of green manure for improving soil health.
Chouhan said the initiative launched from Ramasiya village is expected to evolve into a nationwide people’s movement with active participation from farmers, women, youth, scientists and local communities.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for agriculture, the minister said the campaign is aimed at protecting soil resources for future generations and ensuring long-term food security.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra experts, public representatives and government officials attended the launch programme. Nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children on the occasion.
