Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ will become a nationwide mission, with focus on soil health, natural farming, technology and water conservation.

Key Highlights

• ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to evolve into a national mission.
• Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls for balanced fertiliser use and scientific farming.
• Mobile-based Soil Health Card system planned to guide farmers on nutrient requirements.
• Haryana showcased as a model for MSP, water conservation and farmer-centric governance.
• Push for natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture and crop diversification.
• Centre to promote sustainable farming through weekly outreach programmes across states.
• Haryana’s FPO Mission launched alongside the campaign.

Centre Launches National Push for Sustainable Farming Through ‘Khet Bachao Mission’

The Centre has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to promote sustainable agriculture, with Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announcing that the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign) will now evolve into a long-term national mission.

Addressing the concluding ceremony of the campaign and the launch of the Haryana Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mission at Bawal in Haryana’s Rewari district, the Union Minister said protecting soil health, reducing excessive chemical fertiliser use and conserving natural resources are essential for building a resilient agricultural economy and achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

The event, attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, farmers, agricultural experts and policymakers, highlighted Haryana’s growing reputation as a leader in farmer-centric governance and sustainable agricultural practices.

Technology to Drive Scientific Farming

A major announcement during the event was the government’s plan to digitally integrate Soil Health Cards with a mobile application. Once operational, farmers will be able to access real-time information on soil nutrients, identify deficiencies and receive recommendations on the precise quantity and type of fertiliser required for their fields.

According to the Minister, technology-driven advisory services will help reduce input costs, improve productivity and restore soil fertility while promoting balanced fertiliser usage.

Natural Farming and Water Conservation in Focus

The Minister expressed concern over the long-term impact of excessive fertiliser and pesticide use, warning that deteriorating soil health could threaten India’s future food security.

He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices gradually, beginning with a small portion of their land, while emphasising that sustainable agriculture need not compromise productivity.

The government also reiterated its focus on climate-resilient farming by promoting less water-intensive crops and encouraging crop diversification. Haryana’s incentive of ₹8,000 per acre for farmers shifting from paddy cultivation to pulses was highlighted as a model for groundwater conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Haryana Model Showcased as National Benchmark

Shri Chouhan praised Haryana’s agricultural reforms, including procurement of 24 crops under Minimum Support Price (MSP), price-deficiency compensation, digital crop registration and water conservation initiatives.

He said the state’s integrated approach to scientific farming, technology adoption and resource management could serve as a blueprint for other states seeking to strengthen agricultural productivity while preserving natural resources.

The Union Minister also announced that he would personally participate in programmes related to the Khet Bachao Mission across different states every week, signalling sustained national engagement with farmers.

Hospitality, Food & Tourism Impact

The Centre’s renewed focus on sustainable agriculture has wider implications for India’s hospitality, food processing and culinary tourism sectors.

Healthier soil and balanced farming practices are expected to improve the quality and consistency of agricultural produce supplied to hotels, restaurants and food service businesses. The promotion of natural farming and reduced chemical usage also aligns with the growing demand for organic, farm-to-table and sustainable dining experiences among domestic and international travellers.

Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) could further strengthen local sourcing networks, enabling hospitality businesses to procure fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and specialty products directly from producer groups, reducing supply chain gaps while supporting rural livelihoods.

In the long term, successful implementation of the Khet Bachao Mission may also encourage agro-tourism, farm stays and rural culinary experiences, creating new opportunities for community-based tourism and sustainable travel across agricultural regions.

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