New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ with the clear message to farmers that if the soil is protected, agriculture will thrive, farmers will become stronger, and the nation will prosper.
He called for the promotion of balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, soil health cards, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific agricultural practices, according to a statement issued by the Agriculture Ministry on Monday.
Launching the month-long campaign from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan appealed to farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and instead apply fertilisers only after determining the actual requirements through scientific tests of the soil.
He pointed out that excessive use of chemicals reduces soil fertility and destroys beneficial microorganisms, directly affecting agricultural productivity and increasing cultivation costs.
The Union Minister said that the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ is a national resolve to protect Mother Earth. Under the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, agriculture department teams, and public representatives will visit villages across the country to create awareness among farmers. Farmers will be educated about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming, modern sowing techniques, water conservation, and advanced agricultural practices.
He emphasised that every farmer must have a Soil Health Card so that fertiliser application can be based on the actual needs of the land. This, he said, will reduce cultivation costs, enhance productivity, and help maintain soil fertility over the long term.
Chouhan clarified that while the government provides fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rates, this should not encourage excessive use. Sustainable agriculture, he stressed, depends on the judicious and balanced application of fertilisers.
The minister further stated that making agriculture more profitable remains a key priority of the Government of India.
He informed that special field demonstrations would be organised in the region for soybean, paddy, and pulse crops. Farmers will be trained in the use of improved seeds, scientific sowing methods, modern technologies such as laser levellers, and water-efficient farming practices. Regular training programmes will also be conducted with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expert institutions.
The Union Minister also linked women’s empowerment with the campaign. He said that women would be connected to employment, income-generation activities, and self-employment opportunities through Self-Help Groups. Eligible women will be provided training, financial support, and opportunities to start small enterprises so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to increasing household incomes.
Besides, Chouhan said that greater opportunities will be given to youth for guidance and skill development. He observed that rural development is not limited to roads, housing, and basic infrastructure but also includes generating employment, income, and self-reliance within villages.
He further announced that the campaign would also focus on creating awareness against counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. Farmers will be guided on crop selection and seed varieties best suited to local agro-climatic conditions, appropriate farming systems, seed treatment methods, and other scientific agricultural practices. Information on the use of green manure for improving soil health will also be disseminated. In addition, the benefits of various schemes of the Central and State Governments will be extended to farmers across the country through the campaign.
–IANS
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