Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026’ from Karnal, Haryana, on October 22. The campaign will continue until November 30, focusing on soil health, balanced fertiliser use, crop diversification and sustainable farming practices.
Focus on Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture
The campaign aims to promote the balanced use of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs based on soil testing, crop diversification through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, and effective utilisation of fallow fields after paddy harvesting. It will also emphasise crop residue management, natural farming and the appropriate use of organic and bio-based agricultural products through farmer awareness programmes, training and field demonstrations.
Water conservation, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge will also be promoted to conserve natural resources and improve agricultural sustainability, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Promote Climate-Resilient and Resource-Efficient Farming
The campaign will focus on improving soil health, enhancing water-use efficiency and promoting climate-resilient farming. Key interventions will include the appropriate use of fertilisers, including green ammonia, and biological products; intercropping with suitable crops and varieties; efficient utilisation of rice fallows; and integrated farming systems.
Capacity building, farm mechanisation and field demonstrations of improved technologies, including regenerative agriculture practices, will also be undertaken.
Crop Diversification and Farmer Support
The campaign will cover crop residue management, integrated pest management, soil health management, climate-resilient agriculture, promotion of oilseeds and pulses, and seed distribution.
It will also facilitate the creation of Farmer IDs, promote awareness about crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), expand Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage through saturation efforts, and disseminate information on opportunities arising from trade agreements.
Nationwide Outreach and Implementation
Awareness programmes, farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organised at the state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.
State Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities and Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA) will work with agricultural scientists, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and progressive farmers to ensure wider participation. Outreach will be supported through local-language materials, radio, Doordarshan, social media and other Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities.
The campaign aims to reach approximately one crore participants through ATMA and ICAR. A total of 4,150 teams involving KVKs and ATMA are envisaged, with more than 12,000 scientists and ATMA functionaries expected to participate.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will coordinate with state governments, ICAR institutions and other stakeholders to monitor implementation and encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Through the campaign, the government aims to strengthen soil and water conservation, promote cost-effective farming and improve farmers’ long-term prosperity in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
— PIB inputs
