In News:

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' on June 1, 2026, from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. The campaign will run across the country from June 1 to June 30, 2026.

Core Message

• The campaign is built on the principle: "Save the Soil, Save Farming, Save Farmers." The campaignemphasised that excessive use of chemical fertilisers reduces soil fertility and destroys beneficial microorganisms in the soil, directly affecting agricultural productivity and increasing cultivation costs. Also, noted that the government provides fertilisers at subsidised rates, but this must not encourage overuse — sustainable agriculture depends on judicious, balanced application.

Key Activities and Focus Areas

• Soil Health and Balanced Nutrition: The campaign promotes soil testing and Soil Health Cards so that fertiliser application is based on the actual nutrient requirements of the land. Every farmer must have a Soil Health Card, which will reduce cultivation costs, enhance productivity, and help maintain long-term soil fertility.
• Scientific Farming Demonstrations: Special field demonstrations will be organised 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.
• Natural Farming and Water Conservation: The campaign actively promotes natural farming, green manure use, water conservation, seed treatment, improved seeds, and modern sowing techniques aligned with local agro-climatic conditions.
• Anti-Counterfeit Awareness: The campaign will create awareness against counterfeit fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds, which are a significant menace to farmers' investment and crop yields.
• Government Scheme Access: Farmers will be helped to access PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, the Crop Insurance Scheme, Kisan Credit Card, and farm mechanisationprogrammes through the outreach activities.
• Village-Level Outreach Mechanism Agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendra officials, agriculture department teams, and public representatives will visit villages across the country to educate farmers and provide technical support. Regular training programmes will be conducted with Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expert institutions. The campaign also connects women through Self-Help Groups to income-generation and self-employment opportunities, embedding women's empowerment within the agricultural transformation agenda.