Raisen

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Raisen district, describing it as a national mission to protect soil health and promote sustainable farming.

The month-long campaign, running from June 1 to June 30, will see agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and public representatives visit villages across the country to educate farmers on scientific farming practices.

Emphasising the importance of soil conservation, Chouhan said, “The Earth is our mother and protecting its health is a collective responsibility. If the soil is protected, agriculture will thrive, farmers will become stronger, and the nation will prosper.”

The minister urged farmers to avoid excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, stressing that fertiliser application should be based on scientific soil testing. He warned that indiscriminate use of chemicals reduces soil fertility, destroys beneficial microorganisms and increases cultivation costs.

Key focus areas of the campaign include:

• Soil testing and Soil Health Cards
• Balanced use of fertilisers
• Natural farming practices
• Water conservation
• Modern sowing techniques
• Scientific nutrient management
• Awareness against counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides

Chouhan said every farmer should possess a Soil Health Card so that fertiliser use can be tailored to the actual needs of the land, helping reduce costs while improving productivity and long-term soil fertility.

The campaign will also promote advanced agricultural technologies, including improved seeds, laser levellers, water-efficient farming methods and scientific cultivation practices for crops such as soybean, paddy and pulses. Training programmes will be organised through Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural institutions.

Linking rural development with social empowerment, Chouhan said women would be connected to employment and self-employment opportunities through Self-Help Groups, while rural youth would receive support for skill development, career guidance and livelihood generation.

He said rural development goes beyond infrastructure and must focus on creating employment, income and self-reliance in villages. The minister expressed confidence that the campaign would evolve into a large-scale people's movement through active public participation.

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A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, local representatives and officials attended the launch programme, during which nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children.