Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, delivering a clear message to farmers that if the soil is protected, agriculture will thrive, farmers will become stronger, and the nation will prosper. He called for the promotion of balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, Soil Health Cards, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific agricultural practices.

Launching the month-long campaign, which will run across the country from June 1 to June 30, Shri Chouhan said that the Earth is our mother and protecting its health is a collective responsibility. He appealed to farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and instead apply fertilizers only according to the actual requirements of the soil based on scientific testing. He noted that excessive use of chemicals reduces soil fertility and destroys beneficial micro organisms present in the soil, directly affecting agricultural productivity and increasing cultivation costs.

The Union Minister said that the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' is a national resolve to protect Mother Earth. Under the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, agriculture department teams, and public representatives will visit villages across the country to create awareness among farmers. Farmers will be educated about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming, modern sowing techniques, water conservation, and advanced agricultural practices.

He emphasized that every farmer must have a Soil Health Card so that fertilizer application can be based on the actual needs of the land. This, he said, will reduce cultivation costs, enhance productivity, and help maintain soil fertility over the long term. Shri Chouhan clarified that while the government provides fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates, this should not encourage excessive use. Sustainable agriculture, he stressed, depends on the judicious and balanced application of fertilizers.