Centre to launch nationwide campaign to promote sustainable farming

The Union Agriculture Ministry will launch the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026 on Thursday to improve soil health and promote sustainable farming practices, with the campaign running until November 30.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the campaign from Karnal in Haryana, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

The campaign aims to raise awareness among farmers about the balanced use of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs based on soil testing. It will also promote crop diversification through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, the effective use of fallow fields after paddy harvesting and proper crop residue management.

Other priorities include natural farming, the use of organic and bio-based agricultural products, water conservation, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Farmers will also be encouraged to adopt resource-efficient and climate-resilient practices, intercropping and improved farm mechanisation.

The initiative will include field demonstrations of improved technologies, including regenerative agriculture, and awareness programmes on fertiliser use, including green ammonia.

The campaign will also facilitate the creation of Farmer IDs, promote crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and expand coverage under the Kisan Credit Card scheme. It will also provide information on opportunities arising from trade agreements.

Awareness programmes, farmers' conferences, Kisan Chaupals and training sessions will be organised at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.

State Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes, agricultural universities and other agencies will work together to implement the campaign.

The initiative aims to reach around one crore participants through ATMA and ICAR. A total of 4,150 teams involving Krishi Vigyan Kendras and ATMA are planned, with more than 12,000 scientists and ATMA functionaries expected to participate.

The Agriculture Ministry will coordinate with state governments and other stakeholders to monitor implementation and encourage farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.