Minister Calls for a People’s Movement to Save Soil and Sustainable Farming at Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Bankura

11 June 2026, Bankura

The nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Fields Campaign) received a significant boost in Bankura district as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (WBCADC), Sonamukhi, under the guidance of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, organized a large-scale farmers’ awareness programme-cum- input distribution today. The event brought together about 200 participants, including farmers, scientists, extension personnel, and officials from various line departments, in a collective effort to promote soil health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship.

Shri Dibakar Gharami, Minister of State for Cooperation, Forest and Environment, Government of West Bengal, emphasized that protecting soil is fundamental to securing the future of agriculture and rural livelihoods. Addressing the gathering, Shri Gharami stated that soil is not merely a medium for crop production but a living resource that sustains ecosystems, food security, and human well-being. He observed that excessive and imbalanced use of chemical inputs poses long-term risks to soil fertility and environmental health. He further stressed that sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and farmers’ welfare must go hand in hand, and appreciated the role of KVKs and extension agencies in carrying scientific knowledge directly to farming communities.

Dr Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, addressed the programme virtually and highlighted that Khet Bachao Abhiyan, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, is a national movement promoting the One Health approach by strengthening the linkages between soil health, food and nutritional security, environmental sustainability, and farmers’ prosperity. He emphasized balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, and sustainable nutrient management practices such as green manuring, vermicomposting, and biofertilisers to rejuvenate soil health and build climate-resilient agriculture. Dr Dey also encouraged farmers to benefit from the Pulses and Oilseeds Missions for crop diversification, enhanced profitability, reduced import dependence, and improved national nutritional security.

The event witnessed the presence of Shri Shamvo Ganguly, Assistant Director of Agriculture (ADA), Shri Gorachand Burman BDO, Sonamukhi, along with officials from agriculture and allied departments of Bankura district. The dignitaries highlighted that maintaining soil health is central to ensuring agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, food and nutritional security, and the economic well-being of farming households. They emphasized the need for stronger convergence among departments and greater outreach of science-based advisories to accelerate the adoption of climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming practices.

The campaign focused on delivering practical field-level knowledge and actionable advisories directly to farmers. Special emphasis was placed on efficient fertilizer use, reduction of excessive chemical inputs, and improvement of input-use efficiency to lower production costs while safeguarding long-term soil fertility. Farmers were sensitized on the benefits of green manures, vermicompost, and biofertilisers in enhancing soil biological activity and resilience.

The programme also underscored the importance of soil testing as a scientific tool for understanding nutrient status and selecting suitable, profitable, and location-specific cropping systems. Participants were informed about key government interventions, including the Pulses Mission and Oilseeds Mission, aimed at promoting crop diversification, enhancing productivity, reducing import dependency, and creating additional income opportunities for farming households. Inputs were also distributed on the occasion.

Serving as a vibrant platform for interaction among farmers, scientists, administrators, and extension agencies, the programme facilitated meaningful discussions on local agricultural challenges and practical pathways towards resilient and sustainable farming systems.

The successful organization of Khet Bachao Abhiyan at KVK Sonamukhi reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, KVKs, and line departments to take science-based advisories, sustainable farming technologies, and policy-linked opportunities to the grassroots, thereby contributing to healthier soils, resilient farms, and a more sustainable agricultural future.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)