ICAR-NBAIM, Mau, Uttar Pradesh Launches “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” with Focus on Biofertilizers and Sustainable Soil Health Management

1 June 2026, Mau, Uttar Pradesh

The nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ was launched at the ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Mau, Uttar Pradesh, today. The programme witnessed the participation of scientists, Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) representatives, progressive farmers, and women farmers.

During the programme, Dr Alok Kumar Srivastava, Director, ICAR-NBAIM, interacted with farmers and stakeholders and elaborated on the objectives, significance, and planned activities of the month-long campaign aimed at promoting soil health and sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr Srivastava provided an overview of the biofertilizer and biopesticide products developed by ICAR-NBAIM. He highlighted the use of biofertilizers such as BioGrow, BioNPK, BioPhos, BioZinc, Bio Potash, BioSulphur, and RhizoNBAIM, as well as biopesticides including CropCare, Green Fungicide, Kush BioCare, Ecopesticide, and BioPulse. He also informed the participants about Kush Bio-Fast, a rapid decomposer technology for agricultural waste that can be readily utilized in farmers’ fields.

Emphasizing the importance of microbial technologies in agriculture, Dr Srivastava stated that the application of biofertilizers can significantly reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers without adversely affecting crop productivity. He further explained that biofertilizers contribute to the restoration of soil health, improve nutrient-use efficiency, and help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, thereby supporting environmentally sustainable farming systems.

A one-to-one interaction session was conducted with farmers to address their queries regarding the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides for maintaining soil health and ensuring sustainable agricultural production. Representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations were also encouraged to identify suitable farmers and villages for conducting biofertilizer demonstration programmes and related extension activities.

The programme was attended by representatives from 17 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and 70 farmers, including 41 male and 29 female farmers. The event served as an important platform for promoting awareness on soil health management and encouraging the adoption of bio-based agricultural inputs for sustainable farming.

(Source: ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms, Mau, Uttar Pradesh)