RAISEN (MP), June 1: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
The Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development said the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ is a national resolve to protect Mother Earth. Under the campaign, which will run across the country from June 1 to June 30, agricultural scientists, agricultural universities’ experts, officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and public representatives will visit villages to create awareness among farmers.
While calling for promoting balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, soil health cards, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific agricultural practices, he 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.”
He appealed to farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and instead apply manure only according to the soil’s actual requirements based on scientific testing.
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.
During the campaign, farmers will be educated about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming, modern sowing techniques, water conservation, and advanced agricultural practices.
“Every farmer must have a Soil Health Card so that fertiliser application can be based on the actual needs of the land. This will reduce cultivation costs, enhance productivity, and help maintain soil fertility over the long term,” Chouhan said.
While the government provides fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rates, this should not encourage excessive use, he pointed out.
Sustainable agriculture depends on the judicious and balanced application of manure, he stressed.
Chouhan said making agriculture more profitable remains a key priority of the Union government.
“Special field demonstrations would be organised in the region for soybean, paddy, and pulse crops. Farmers will be trained in using improved seeds, scientific sowing methods, modern technologies such as laser levellers, and water-efficient farming practices. Regular training programmes will be conducted with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expert institutions,” he added.
Chouhan also linked women’s empowerment with the campaign, saying women would be connected to employment, income-generation activities, and self-employment opportunities through Self-Help Groups.
“Eligible women will be provided training, financial support, and opportunities to start small enterprises so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to increasing household incomes,” he said.
Referring to youths, Chouhan said that greater opportunities for guidance, skill development, and preparation would be created for them.
“Rural development is not limited to roads, housing, and basic infrastructure but also includes generating employment, income, and self-reliance within villages. This campaign launched from Ramasiya village would eventually evolve into a major people’s movement driven by public participation,” Chouhan asserted.
He appealed to farmers, women, and youth to actively participate in development initiatives, stating that prosperous villages, empowered farmers, self-reliant women, and a brighter future can only be achieved through the collective efforts of government and society.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a visionary leader who thinks far ahead and plans for future generations,” he added.
He further announced that the campaign would also focus on creating awareness against duplicate fertilisers and pesticides.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, public representatives, and administrative officials attended the programme. On the occasion, nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children. (PTI)
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