Khet Bachao Abhiyan- Protecting Soil, Securing the Future of Agriculture
- The Government of India and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a month-long campaign from 1 June to 30 June 2026, to strengthen soil health and ensure agricultural sustainability.
- Arunachal Pradesh has actively joined this initiative, with the campaign formally launched by the Department of Agriculture and Allied Departments in Papum Pare district.
- The campaign promotes sustainable agricultural practices including soil health management, balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, natural farming, and water conservation.
- Nationwide, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reports that more than 9.42 lakh farmers have already participated in the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
Agriculture has long been the backbone of rural livelihoods and healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming. Recognizing the growing need to protect soil fertility and promote scientific farming practices, the Government of India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a month-long campaign aimed at strengthening soil health and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability. The campaign is being observed across the country from 1 June to 30 June 2026. Arunachal Pradesh has joined this nationwide initiative with active participation from the Agriculture and Allied Departments, farmers, agricultural scientists and local communities. The campaign reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding agricultural lands and promoting sustainable farming practices for future generations. Why Khet Bachao Abhiyan Matters Healthy soil is essential for food security, farm productivity and environmental sustainability. Over time, excessive use of chemical fertilizers, nutrient imbalance, soil erosion and changing climatic conditions can affect soil quality and reduce agricultural productivity.
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan seeks to address these challenges by creating awareness about:
● Soil health management
● Balanced use of fertilizers
● Soil testing and Soil Health Cards
● Natural farming practices
● Water conservation
● Scientific crop management
● Sustainable agricultural techniques.
The campaign encourages farmers to make informed decisions based on scientific soil analysis rather than relying solely on conventional practices.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the campaign was formally launched by the Department of Agriculture and Allied Departments in Papum Pare district. The launch programme included technical sessions on balanced fertilizer application, soil management, and natural farming practices, enabling farmers to acquire practical knowledge that can be directly applied in their fields. Statewide Participation Across Arunachal Pradesh The Khet Bachao Abhiyan is being actively implemented across Arunachal Pradesh through the combined efforts of the Department of Agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutions and farming communities. In Namsai district, awareness programmes were organized for farmers from Lathao, Momong, and Nanam Khamtiang villages, focusing on crop planning, balanced fertilizer use, natural farming, crop rotation and soil health management. Farmers were also provided with climate-resilient paddy seeds. In the Leparada district, the ICAR Arunachal Pradesh Centre (Basar), in collaboration with KVK (West Siang), conducted programmes on sustainable soil management and climate-resilient agricultural practices for farmers from Leparada and West Siang districts. The campaign was also launched in Tawang district, with a focus on promoting natural farming and sustainable agriculture.
In West Kameng district, awareness programmes were conducted at Khamkar and Khasso villages, encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly and soil-friendly agricultural practices. Meanwhile, farmers in Chongkham block of Namsai district were sensitized on composting, vermicomposting, crop rotation, intercropping and government initiatives supporting natural farming. In East Kameng district, KVK East Kameng organized training programmes on soil health management, organic composting, climate-resilient farming technologies and scientific crop rotation. These district-level initiatives highlight the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, improving soil health and preparing farmers for a more resilient and productive future. Promoting Sustainable Agriculture A key focus of the campaign is encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that improve soil fertility without harming the environment. Some of the practices being promoted include:
● Soil test-based nutrient management
● Balanced application of fertilisers
● Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
● Green manuring
● Crop rotation, especially with pulses
● Natural farming techniques
● Water conservation measures
These approaches not only improve soil health but also help reduce input costs, enhance crop productivity and support long-term sustainability. A Nationwide People’s Movement, *The Khet Bachao Abhiyan* is rapidly gaining momentum across India. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, more than 9.42 lakh farmers have already participated in the campaign, with thousands of awareness programmes, training sessions, and field demonstrations being organized nationwide. The campaign highlights the importance of collective action involving farmers, scientists, local institutions and government agencies in protecting one of agriculture’s most valuable resources – soil. Towards a Sustainable Agricultural Future. For a state like Arunachal Pradesh, where agriculture remains closely linked to livelihoods, culture and food security, protecting soil health is essential. Sustainable Farming practices not only help improve agricultural productivity but also contribute to environmental conservation and climate resilience. The Khet Bachao Abhiyan serves as a reminder that preserving the health of our fields today is vital for ensuring food security and prosperity tomorrow.
As the campaign continues across Arunachal Pradesh, it offers an opportunity for farmers and communities to adopt practices that nurture the land, strengthen agriculture and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
