Chandigarh, Oct 22 Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday launched a nationwide campaign to promote sustainable farming, improve soil health and encourage judicious use of resources.
Through the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan –Rabi 2026’, which was launched from Taraori in Karnal district, the government seeks to strengthen soil and water conservation, promote efficient and cost-effective farming practices, improve agricultural sustainability and contribute to the long-term prosperity of farmers and the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Addressing farmers, agricultural scientists, and officials, who joined virtually from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and various agricultural institutions across the country, the Union minister warned that if the imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is not halted, the soil will eventually lose its ability to produce crops.
He further cautioned that it will also have an impact on human health.
Commending Haryana farmers for their efforts in stubble management, Chouhan stated that burning stubble in fields not only cause air pollution but also destroys microorganisms, beneficial insects, and earthworms, which act as natural soil enrichers, residing in the upper and lower layers of the soil.
The natural fertility of the land can only be preserved by protecting these earthworms and beneficial insects, he said.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines, Chouhan said that the Haryana government is giving financial incentives to farmers for stubble management.
Stubble burning affects soil health, causes harm to the environment, and makes air quality turns dangerous, he said.
He also referred to use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets/ briquettes in industries and said crop residue can fetch Rs 200 to Rs 250 per quintal.
The minister also called for a massive public awareness campaign to be conducted in every village across the nation from October 22 to November 30 under the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’.
Praising farmers of Haryana, he said they are remarkable, hardworking, and innovative.
He noted that progressive farmers from Haryana are not only driving change within their own state but are also extending their efforts to states like Madhya Pradesh, where they are setting new benchmarks through the adoption of modern and natural farming practices.
He stated that the entire nation follows the path shown by Haryana.
During the event, Chouhan, who is also Minister for Rural Development, stated that the central government has approved the construction of 28,422 houses for eligible poor families in Haryana under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin). A sum of Rs 1,343.06 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose.
Chouhan handed over the formal letter regarding this approval to Haryana’s Minister of Agriculture Shyam Singh Rana, who was present on stage.
Addressing the issue of fertilizer prices and the government’s commitment, Chouhan noted that despite rising prices in the international market, the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is ensuring that no additional financial burden falls upon the farmers.
The government is providing a massive fertilizer subsidy exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore, ensuring that farmers can continue to access a bag of urea for just Rs 266 and a bag of DAP for Rs 1,350.
Cautioning the farmers, he said, “The availability of affordable fertilizer does not mean that one should indiscriminately dump multiple bags of urea into the fields. It is a misconception that using more fertilizer leads to higher crop yields…”
He stated that the country is now moving towards the use of green ammonia, which will make India completely self-reliant in fertilizer production in the future.
Addressing a ‘Kisan Chaupal’ held on the occasion, the Union minister engaged directly with the farmers and told them that he considers himself as a servant of the farmers and a dedicated farmer himself.
The nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan- Rabi 2026’ campaign will promote crop diversification through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, encourage the effective utilization of fallow fields after paddy harvesting and promote proper crop residue management.
The campaign will also focus on training farmers in the appropriate use of organic and bio-based agricultural products and promoting natural farming through awareness programmes, training sessions and field demonstrations.
As part of the campaign, awareness programmes, farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organised at the state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.
State Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities and Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA) will collaborate to ensure the active participation of agricultural scientists, ATMA functionaries, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and progressive farmers.
(PTI News)
