‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Launch from Raisen on June 1, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Calls for Nationwide Participation

New Delhi, May 31: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for a nationwide movement to protect agricultural land and promote sustainable farming practices, with the launch of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ scheduled from Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1.

Describing the initiative as a national mission to safeguard Mother Earth, Chouhan urged all stakeholders associated with the agricultural sector to participate with full dedication and seriousness. He emphasized that the campaign should not be viewed as a symbolic exercise but as a collective effort to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the country’s farmlands.

The Union Minister said that institutions across the agricultural ecosystem, including Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, agricultural universities and state agriculture departments, have come together on a common platform to support the initiative.

According to Chouhan, the campaign aims to evolve into a nationwide people’s movement focused on protecting soil health, improving farm productivity and securing the future of Indian agriculture. He highlighted that the programme has been designed with a comprehensive roadmap that includes promoting balanced use of fertilisers, encouraging natural farming practices and taking strict action against the sale of fake fertilisers and substandard seeds.

Ahead of the formal launch, the Agriculture Minister interacted with stakeholders and appealed to agricultural institutions, researchers and extension workers to actively engage with farmers at the grassroots level. He stressed that maintaining the dignity and fertility of agricultural land is a shared responsibility of the entire nation.

To ensure wider participation, Chouhan personally spoke with Chief Ministers of various states and sought their support for the campaign. He also appealed to Union Ministers and public representatives to join the initiative and help spread awareness among farming communities.

As part of the campaign, the Union Minister plans to visit villages in different states and hold direct interactions with farmers to understand their concerns and encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Officials said the campaign is expected to focus on raising awareness about soil conservation, responsible nutrient management, reduction of chemical dependency and the promotion of environmentally sustainable farming methods. The initiative is also aimed at improving farmers’ incomes while preserving the ecological balance necessary for long-term agricultural growth.

With participation expected from agricultural institutions and governments across the country, the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ is being positioned as a major national effort to strengthen India’s agricultural foundation and support the vision of sustainable rural development.