The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is conducting the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026 from October 22 to November 30, 2026, to promote scientific farming practices, improve soil health and enhance crop productivity through direct engagement with farmers.
The campaign is being implemented through the ministry’s two departments, with village-level awareness programmes aimed at disseminating information on the latest agricultural technologies, government schemes and improved crop management practices. The initiative follows the ‘Lab to Land’ approach, under which agricultural scientists visit farmers’ fields to share research-based knowledge and practical guidance for improving farm productivity.
As part of the campaign, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ujwa, Delhi, is organising awareness programmes across rural Delhi. A total of 25 locations have been identified across the South-West, North-West and North districts of the National Capital Territory. Teams comprising four to five subject-matter experts, scientists, departmental officials and innovative farmers are participating in the programmes. Senior scientists from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi, are also providing technical guidance to farmers.
On October 27, KVK Ujwa organised an awareness programme in Qazipur village, focusing on soil health conservation, timely agricultural operations for the upcoming rabi season, balanced fertiliser application and natural farming practices.
During the programme, scientists highlighted the importance of maintaining soil fertility, applying fertilisers according to soil health requirements and using agricultural inputs judiciously. Farmers were encouraged to adopt scientific nutrient management practices to improve resource-use efficiency, sustain soil productivity and support environmentally responsible agriculture.
With the rabi season approaching, farmers also received guidance on improved, high-yielding wheat varieties and appropriate crop management techniques. The programme covered regular monitoring of mustard crops, early identification of major pests and diseases, and the adoption of suitable control measures to minimise crop damage and improve yields.
The initiative further emphasised natural farming, conservation of natural resources and the adoption of environmentally sustainable agricultural technologies. Farmers were encouraged to use available resources efficiently and implement practices that support long-term soil fertility and sustainable crop production.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Taraori in Haryana’s Karnal district, calling for balanced fertiliser use, reduced dependence on chemical pesticides and wider adoption of natural farming to protect soil health and food quality.
Addressing farmers, agricultural scientists and officials connected virtually through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural institutions across the country, Chouhan warned that excessive and indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides could degrade agricultural land and pose risks to human health. He announced a nationwide village-level awareness campaign from October 22 to November 30, 2026, urging agricultural universities, scientists and government officials to engage directly with farmers.
Chouhan said Haryana’s farmers had demonstrated a strong commitment to agricultural innovation and were contributing to the adoption of modern and natural farming practices in other states. He emphasised that protecting soil health was essential to sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s concern over the deteriorating condition of agricultural land.
The minister stressed that affordable fertilisers should not encourage excessive application. He said the central government was providing fertiliser subsidies exceeding Rs 1.5 lakh crore to protect farmers from rising international prices, enabling them to purchase a bag of urea for Rs 266 and a bag of diammonium phosphate (DAP) for Rs 1,350.
However, he cautioned that applying more fertiliser than required would not necessarily increase crop yields and could damage soil health. He also referred to the potential of green ammonia in strengthening India's self-reliance in fertiliser production.