Centre Launches Khet Bachao Abhiyan to Tackle Weak Monsoon and Input Challenges
New Delhi: Facing a tough sowing season due to a forecast of weak monsoon and pressure on inputs such as fertilisers and diesel, the central government will launch a month-long nationwide campaign on Monday. The campaign, named Khet Bachao Abhiyan, focuses on balanced and judicious use of inputs like fertilisers and water, timely advice to farmers regarding weather-related challenges, and delivering benefits of farm schemes directly to villages.
Key Objectives of the Campaign
The primary aim of Khet Bachao Abhiyan is to motivate farmers to increase the use of green manure, organic and bio products, and adopt precision irrigation for optimal water use. The campaign will be launched from Ramsiya village in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Sunday that awareness and practical interventions have become essential due to rising temperatures, indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, deteriorating soil health, and the growing climate crisis. He emphasised that constructive suggestions will be provided on dos and don'ts, correct crop options, crop diversification, and farming methods during water scarcity or risk.
Farm-Level Advice and State Preparedness
The minister clarified that the campaign's purpose is not just to deliver a message but to give right advice to farmers at the farm level as per the situation. In light of the weak monsoon forecast and rising El Nino risk, the agriculture ministry has already asked states to promote drought-tolerant crop varieties, weather-based agro-advisory services, efficient water management, and location-specific adaptation strategies to minimise agricultural losses.
Chouhan, who will visit villages across the country during the campaign and interact with farmers, has spoken to chief ministers and other stakeholders, including farm scientists, to seek their participation in the initiative.
Multi-Dimensional Approach
Chouhan emphasised that the campaign should have a multi-dimensional character by ensuring that benefits of schemes such as Kisan Credit Card, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Cards, Mini Seed Kits, Pulses and Oilseeds Mission, and Agricultural Mechanisation programmes reach farmers effectively.
The campaign aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and input shortages, promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
