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The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save Farms Campaign) to encourage sustainable agricultural practices amid growing concerns over soil degradation, declining groundwater levels, climate change and the excessive use of chemical fertilisers. The campaign focuses on improving soil health through balanced nutrient management, wider use of Soil Health Cards, organic farming practices and water conservation measures. Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is supporting the initiative by conducting awareness programmes on soil management and modern farming techniques. The campaign also seeks to educate farmers on efficient irrigation methods, crop diversification and the identification of quality agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, reduce cultivation costs and safeguard long-term food security.
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save Farms Campaign) to promote sustainable and profitable farming practices as Indian agriculture faces increasing challenges from climate change, deteriorating soil fertility, falling groundwater reserves and the excessive use of chemical fertilisers.
Announced this week, the campaign is built around the message that protecting soil is essential for sustaining agriculture, improving farmer prosperity and ensuring national food security. Agricultural experts associated with the initiative have highlighted that soil health remains fundamental to agricultural productivity and warned that continued degradation could result in lower crop yields, rising cultivation costs and long-term risks to food production.
As part of the campaign, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is undertaking awareness programmes aimed at educating farmers about soil health management, balanced nutrient application and modern agricultural practices. The organisation is working to increase understanding of scientific farming methods that can improve productivity while preserving natural resources.
According to experts, while the Green Revolution substantially increased India’s foodgrain production, the prolonged and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has adversely affected soil quality across several agricultural regions. Excessive application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash has disturbed nutrient balance in many areas, while declining levels of organic carbon and beneficial microorganisms have reduced the soil’s ability to retain moisture and maintain fertility.
A major component of the campaign is the promotion of Soil Health Cards, which provide farm-specific information on nutrient deficiencies and fertiliser requirements. The initiative aims to encourage balanced fertiliser use, reduce unnecessary input expenditure and support long-term soil conservation.
The campaign is also encouraging farmers to adopt natural and organic farming practices. These include the use of farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost and green manure to improve soil structure, increase nutrient availability and maintain agricultural productivity. Training programmes are being conducted to familiarise farmers with these practices and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Recognising concerns around water scarcity, the initiative places significant emphasis on water conservation measures. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, undertake rainwater harvesting and implement water-efficient cultivation techniques to optimise resource utilisation.
In addition, awareness programmes under the campaign cover seed treatment, balanced nutrient management, modern sowing methods, crop diversification and the selection of crops suited to local agro-climatic conditions. The objective is to improve farm productivity while ensuring sustainable use of land and water resources.
The campaign also seeks to protect farmers from financial losses associated with counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides. Educational efforts are focused on helping farmers identify genuine agricultural inputs and use them appropriately to maximise crop performance.
Dr P.S. Gahlaut, Managing Director of Indian Potash Limited, stated that the use of balanced fertilisers, Soil Health Cards, organic manures and micronutrients can significantly improve soil health and agricultural productivity. He added that ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising global fertiliser prices have further underscored the importance of soil conservation and balanced nutrient management for ensuring the sustainability of Indian agriculture.
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