Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for a Nationwide “Save Mother Earth” Movement at Khet Bachao Abhiyan

17 June 2026, Patna, Bihar

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today graced as the Chief Guest in the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” at Village Chhoti Tengraila, Naubatpur, Patna, Bihar. Addressing farmers, scientists, agricultural officers, and other stakeholders, he called for a people-led “Save Mother Earth” movement to conserve soil health through natural farming, green manuring, balanced fertilizer use, and other sustainable agricultural practices. The event was jointly organized by ICAR led by Agriculture Extension Division; and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar.

Describing healthy soil as the foundation of agricultural prosperity and food security, Shri Chouhan urged farmers to adopt scientific and eco-friendly farming methods. He emphasized the importance of soil testing and the judicious application of fertilizers based on soil health recommendations to ensure sustainable productivity. The Minister also highlighted the need to expand the area under pulses cultivation and encouraged ICAR institutes to develop and validate Integrated Farming System models for the benefit of smallholder farmers. Emphasizing the role of natural farming in restoring soil fertility and ensuring long-term sustainability, he called for greater collaboration between scientists and farmers to strengthen the adoption of Direct Seeded Rice technology and achieve comparable yields while conserving natural resources.

The programme was presided over by Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, Agriculture Minister, Government of Bihar, who highlighted key state initiatives for farmers and urged all stakeholders to contribute towards maintaining soil health through sustainable agronomic practices.

On the occasion, Dr Ranjay K Singh, ADG (AE) and Director, ICAR-ATARI, Patna, highlighted the objectives and activities undertaken under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and shared the progress achieved in Bihar. Directors of ICAR institutes, Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary (Agriculture), Director of Agriculture, scientists, KVK experts and technical experts, interacted with farmers and disseminated information on soil health management, balanced nutrient use, agricultural mechanization, natural farming and emerging agricultural technologies.

Farmers witnessed demonstrations on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), finger millet (ragi) nursery management, and ICAR-NRC Litchi technologies for enhancing the shelf life of litchi to improve market access and income generation. Prior to the programme, Shri Chouhan planted saplings and encouraged farmers to actively support environmental conservation. During his “Khat Pe Charcha”, he interacted with farmers and listened their problems. Appreciating the joint efforts of ICAR and the Government of Bihar, the Union Minister commended the successful implementation of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in the state.

Around 2,564 farmers from Patna and neighbouring districts participated in the programme and benefited from the technical guidance, demonstrations, and awareness activities.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Patna, Zone-IV)