Shivraj Chouhan Launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Protect Farmland

Chouhan expressed confidence that the campaign would evolve into a nationwide people's movement driven by community participation.

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (Save the Farmland Campaign), calling on farmers across India to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and protect soil health for future generations.

The month-long campaign, running from June 1 to June 30, was launched from Ramasiya village in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district. The initiative aims to promote balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific farming methods to improve agricultural productivity while preserving the environment.

National Drive to Promote Soil Health

Launching the campaign, Chouhan stressed that the Earth is the nation's mother and that protecting its health is a collective responsibility. He urged farmers to avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, warning that overuse can damage soil fertility, destroy beneficial microorganisms, increase production costs, and reduce long-term agricultural productivity.

The minister emphasized that fertilizers should be applied only after proper soil testing to ensure crops receive the nutrients they actually need. He said the campaign represents a national commitment to safeguarding the country's agricultural resources and ensuring food security for future generations.

Farmers to Receive Scientific Farming Support

As part of the campaign, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra experts, agriculture department officials, and public representatives will visit villages across India to educate farmers about modern agricultural practices.

Farmers will receive guidance on soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming techniques, water conservation, advanced sowing methods, crop selection, seed treatment, and the use of green manure. The government will also encourage farmers to obtain Soil Health Cards, enabling them to make informed decisions about fertilizer use and improve farm productivity while reducing costs.

Special field demonstrations for soybean, paddy, and pulse cultivation will also be organised, showcasing improved seeds, scientific sowing methods, laser levelling technology, and water-efficient farming techniques.

Women and Youth to Benefit from Development Initiatives

The campaign extends beyond agriculture by incorporating measures to strengthen rural livelihoods. Chouhan said women will be linked to employment opportunities, self-employment ventures, and income-generating activities through Self-Help Groups.

Eligible women will receive training and financial support to establish small enterprises, helping them become economically self-reliant and contribute to household incomes.

The minister also highlighted plans to create greater opportunities for young people through skill development programmes, guidance initiatives, and employment-focused training. He noted that true rural development includes creating sustainable livelihoods alongside improving infrastructure and public services.

Campaign Targets Sustainable Future for Agriculture

Chouhan expressed confidence that the campaign would evolve into a nationwide people's movement driven by community participation. He instructed officials to regularly engage with farmers, provide technical support, and ensure that awareness efforts translate into practical action at the grassroots level.

The campaign will also raise awareness about counterfeit fertilizers and pesticides while helping farmers access benefits available under various Central and State Government schemes.

Reiterating the government's long-term vision, Chouhan said preserving soil health is essential not only for today's farmers but also for future generations. He called on farmers, women, youth, scientists, and local communities to work together to build prosperous villages, strengthen agricultural productivity, and ensure sustainable development across rural India.