Agri Minister Shivraj Launches ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’
Union Minister Calls for Soil Conservation, Scientific Farming and Sustainable Agriculture
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches month-long ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Madhya Pradesh
- Campaign focuses on soil health, balanced fertilizer use and natural farming
- Scientists and agriculture experts to visit villages across the country
- Women empowerment and youth development integrated into the initiative
GG News Bureau
Raisen, 1st June: 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 mass movement to protect soil health and ensure sustainable agricultural growth.
Launching the month-long campaign, which will run from June 1 to June 30 across the country, Chouhan said healthy soil is the foundation of prosperous farming, stronger farmers and a developed nation. He urged farmers to adopt balanced fertilizer use, scientific farming practices, soil testing and water conservation measures.
“The Earth is our mother and protecting its health is our collective responsibility,” the minister said, appealing to farmers to avoid indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He warned that excessive chemical usage damages soil fertility, destroys beneficial microorganisms and increases cultivation costs.
Describing the campaign as a national resolve to protect Mother Earth, Chouhan said agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agriculture department officials and public representatives will visit villages across the country to create awareness about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming and modern agricultural technologies.
The minister emphasized the importance of Soil Health Cards, stating that every farmer should know the nutrient status of their land so that fertilizers can be applied according to actual requirements. This, he said, would reduce input costs, improve productivity and maintain soil health over the long term.
Chouhan said the government would also organize field demonstrations for soybean, paddy and pulse cultivation while promoting improved seeds, laser levellers, water-efficient technologies and scientific sowing methods. Regular training programmes will be conducted with support from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural institutions.
Linking rural development with social empowerment, the Union Minister said women would be connected to employment and self-employment opportunities through Self-Help Groups, while youth would receive greater support for skill development and career advancement.
The campaign will also create awareness against counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides and educate farmers about crop selection, seed treatment, green manure usage and other scientific agricultural practices suited to local conditions.
Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision extends to protecting resources for future generations and stressed that soil fertility must be preserved to ensure food security in the decades ahead. He expressed confidence that the campaign would evolve into a nationwide people’s movement with active participation from farmers, women, youth and local communities.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, public representatives and government officials attended the launch programme. Nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children during the event.
