Agriculture / Centre to Launch Nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ to Promote Sustainable Farming

New Delhi, Oct 21: The Centre will launch a nationwide campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026’, on Thursday to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve soil health and encourage efficient use of natural resources, officials said on Wednesday.

The campaign, which will run until November 30, aims to reach nearly one crore farmers across the country through awareness programmes, field demonstrations and training initiatives.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the campaign from Karnal in Haryana, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Focus on Soil Health

The campaign seeks to educate farmers on the balanced and scientific use of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs based on soil testing. It will also promote the use of organic and bio-based products, natural farming methods and proper crop residue management.

Special emphasis will be placed on encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices that improve productivity while conserving natural resources.

Crop Diversification Drive

As part of the initiative, farmers will be encouraged to diversify crops through various oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions. The campaign will also focus on increasing the utilisation of fallow lands after paddy harvesting and promoting intercropping with suitable crop varieties.

Awareness regarding the appropriate use of fertilisers, including green ammonia and biological products, will also form a major component of the drive.

Water Conservation

The programme will promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water-use practices. The government aims to encourage resource-efficient farming systems capable of withstanding climate-related challenges.

Farm mechanisation and demonstrations of advanced technologies, including regenerative agriculture practices, will be conducted across different regions.

Farmer Outreach

The campaign will also facilitate the creation of Farmer IDs, expand awareness about crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and promote wider coverage of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

Information about opportunities arising from trade agreements and various government schemes for farmers will also be disseminated.

Awareness programmes, Kisan Chaupals, farmers’ conferences, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organised at the State, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.
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Large-Scale Participation

The Ministry said around 4,150 teams comprising officials from Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutions and State Agricultural Universities will participate in the campaign.

More than 12,000 scientists and extension personnel are expected to be involved, with the initiative targeting nearly one crore participants nationwide.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will coordinate with State governments and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the campaign.