Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Hon’ble Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Rabi Campaign) from Taraori in Haryana’s Karnal district on October 22, 2026, calling for a countrywide public awareness campaign from October 22 to November 30, 2026 to promote soil conservation, balanced fertiliser use and sustainable farming practices.. Addressing millions of farmers, agricultural scientists and officials who joined virtually from ICAR Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities across the country, Shri Chouhan warned that unless the unbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides was brought under control, the earth could eventually refuse to produce crops and the human body could become a breeding ground for diseases. Hon’ble Minister urged agricultural scientists and government officials to reach out directly to farmers and raise awareness about protecting soil fertility and preventing agricultural land from becoming barren. Hon’ble Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister of Haryana Shri Shyam Singh Rana and Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR Dr. M.L. Jat also addressed the gathering. The Director Dr. Arjamadutta Sarangi and staff of ICAR-IIWM also attended the virtual launching programme at the Institute. As per the directives of the Council and aligning with the launching programme, one Awareness cum Farmer-Scientist Interaction programme on ‘Science-based Balanced Use of Fertilizers’ was organised on 22nd October, 2026 at the tribal dominated Jharana Sahi village near Barapita of Bhubaneswar block in Khordha district of Odisha under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’. The participating scientists briefed about the objectives of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ initiative of the Govt. of India and emphasized the importance of ‘Science-based Balanced Use of Fertilizers’ for protecting our soil for food, nutritional, and environmental security. They highlighted the need for adopting balanced fertilization practices, improving soil organic matter, and reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. Dr. S.K. Rautaray and Dr. S.K. Mishra acted as the resource persons and also coordinated the event, which was attended by over 51 farmers including 20 farm women.
