Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

1 June 2026, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” at Ramasia village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, calling for a people-centric movement to promote soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. Addressing the gathering, he underscored the critical role of healthy soil in ensuring sustainable agriculture, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, and contributing to national prosperity.

The month-long campaign, scheduled from 1 to 30 June 2026, aims to create awareness on soil health management, balanced fertilizer application, soil testing, issuance and utilization of Soil Health Cards, natural farming, water conservation, and adoption of scientific crop management practices. Shri Chouhan urged farmers to apply fertilizers judiciously based on soil test recommendations and emphasized the collective responsibility of preserving soil fertility for future generations.

The programme was attended by Dr Prabhuram Choudhary, MLA, Sanchi; Shri Yashwant Meena, President, District Panchayat Raisen; district administration officials; agricultural scientists; and a large number of farmers.

The welcome address and an overview of the campaign were delivered by Dr S.R.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jabalpur. Technical sessions were conducted by Dr M.M. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-IISS, Bhopal; the Director, ICAR-CIAE, Bhopal; and Dr Mahesh Kumar, Director, Directorate of Pulses Development (DPD). The experts provided scientific guidance on soil testing, the e-Farm application, natural farming, farm mechanization, and recommended package of practices for Kharif crops.

During the technical deliberations, the speakers highlighted the principles and benefits of natural farming, scientific approaches for Kharif crop cultivation, and the role of agricultural mechanization and modern farm machinery in improving productivity and efficiency during the Kharif season.

An exhibition showcasing innovative technologies and interventions from agriculture, horticulture, and allied sectors was also organized on the occasion. Shri Chouhan distributed Kisan Credit Cards, soybean and urad seed kits to farmers, and food baskets to undernourished children.

In his address, the Union Minister called upon farmers, scientists, public representatives, women, and youth to actively participate in the campaign and work collectively towards soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the development of prosperous rural communities.

ICAR-ATARI, Jabalpur; Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raisen; and the Department of Agriculture, Raisen played a pivotal role in the successful organization of the programme by facilitating farmer participation, coordinating technical sessions, and ensuring effective field-level arrangements for the implementation of the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan.”

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