Overview

The Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign launched by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development to protect agricultural soil health and promote sustainable farming practices.

Launch Details

  • Date of Launch: June 2026
  • Location: Ramasiya village, Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh
  • Duration: 1st June to 30th June 2026
  • Source: PIB (Press Information Bureau)

Key Objectives

Primary Focus Areas

  • Soil Health Protection: Preserving and improving soil fertility
  • Reducing Chemical Usage: Minimising excessive fertiliser and pesticide application
  • Scientific Farming: Promoting evidence-based agricultural practices
  • Natural Farming: Encouraging organic and sustainable farming methods

Key Activities Under the Campaign

  • Soil testing and analysis
  • Distribution and promotion of Soil Health Cards
  • Balanced nutrient management
  • Natural farming techniques
  • Water conservation practices
  • Use of improved seeds and seed treatment
  • Green manure production
  • Modern sowing techniques
  • Water-efficient farming methods (micro-irrigation, drip irrigation)

Soil Health Cards: Core Component

The campaign heavily emphasizes Soil Health Cards which:

  • Provide soil nutrient status analysis
  • Recommend fertilizer application based on actual requirements
  • Help reduce input costs for farmers
  • Improve agricultural productivity
  • Preserve long-term soil fertility

Village Outreach Programme

Stakeholders Involved

  • Agricultural scientists from ICAR institutions
  • Experts from agricultural universities
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)
  • Agriculture department officials
  • Public representatives

Field Demonstrations

  • Soybean cultivation techniques
  • Paddy cultivation practices
  • Pulses farming methods
  • Training on laser levellers for land leveling
  • Crop selection suited to local agro-climatic conditions
  • Water-efficient farming practices

Government Scheme Linkage

The campaign creates awareness about and facilitates access to:

  1. PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi - Direct income support to farmers
  2. Crop Insurance Scheme - Risk mitigation against crop loss
  3. Kisan Credit Card - Affordable credit facilities
  4. Farm Mechanisation Programmes - Modern agricultural equipment

Awareness Against Counterfeit Products

The campaign also addresses:

  • Identification of counterfeit fertilisers
  • Detection of fake seeds and pesticides
  • Reporting mechanisms for substandard agricultural inputs

Core Message

> "Save the Soil, Save Farming, Save Farmers"

This encapsulates the interdependency of:

  • Healthy soil → Productive agriculture
  • Productive agriculture → Stronger farmers
  • Stronger farmers → National prosperity

Significance for Indian Agriculture

Environmental Impact

  • Reduces soil degradation
  • Minimises water pollution from chemical runoff
  • Promotes biodiversity
  • Addresses climate change resilience

Economic Benefits

  • Reduces farmers' input costs
  • Increases yield through balanced nutrition
  • Ensures sustainable long-term productivity
  • Reduces dependency on expensive chemical inputs

Policy Framework Connection

  • Aligns with National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
  • Complements Soil Health Card Scheme (completed 10 years)
  • Supports Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for organic farming
  • Links with Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana for water efficiency

Constitutional/Policy Provisions

  • Article 48: Directive Principles of State Policy - Agriculture and animal husbandry
  • Article 47: Duty of State to raise nutrition and living standards
  • Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land)