From Raisen to the Nation: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’; Scientists to Reach Every Village, Farmers to Benefit from Modern Technologies
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, delivering a clear message to farmers that if the soil is protected, agriculture will thrive, farmers will become stronger, and the nation will prosper. He called for the promotion of balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, Soil Health Cards, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific agricultural practices.
Launching the month-long campaign, which will run across the country from June 1 to June 30, Shivraj said that the Earth is our mother and protecting its health is a collective responsibility. He appealed to farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and instead apply fertilizers only according to the actual requirements of the soil based on scientific testing.
A national resolve to protect Mother Earth
The Union Minister said that the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' is a national resolve to protect Mother Earth. Under the campaign, agricultural scientists, experts from agricultural universities, officials of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, agriculture department teams, and public representatives will visit villages across the country to create awareness among farmers.
Farmers will be educated
Shivraj said farmers will be educated about soil testing, balanced nutrient management, natural farming, modern sowing techniques, water conservation, and advanced agricultural practices.
He emphasized that every farmer must have a Soil Health Card so that fertilizer application can be based on the actual needs of the land. Sustainable agriculture, he stressed, depends on the judicious and balanced application of fertilizers.
Regular training programmes will be conducted
Shivraj stated farmers will be trained in the use of improved seeds, scientific sowing methods, modern technologies such as laser levellers, and water-efficient farming practices. Regular training programmes will also be conducted with the support of Krishi Vigyan Kendras and expert institutions.
Women’s Empowerment at the core of the Abhiyan
The Union Minister also linked women’s empowerment with the campaign. He said that women would be connected to employment, income-generation activities, and self-employment opportunities through Self-Help Groups. Eligible women will be provided training, financial support, and opportunities to start small enterprises so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to increasing household incomes.
Focus on youth development
Speaking about youth, Chouhan said that greater opportunities for guidance, skill development, and preparation would be created for them. He observed that rural development is not limited to roads, housing, and basic infrastructure but also includes generating employment, income, and self-reliance within villages.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, public representatives, and administrative officials attended the programme. On the occasion, nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children.