Khet Bachao Abhiyan

June 9, 2026

-Abhishek Vij 

In India—an agrarian nation—the majority of the population is engaged in farming and allied activities; yet, it is a striking irony that the agricultural sector’s contribution to the national income remains negligible. A farmer’s son often joins his parents in agricultural work from childhood, yet the irony persists: while agriculture once contributed twothirds of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), that share has dwindled to just 21 percent. The rural population has also declined; it has dropped from 80% to 60%, though the fall in income has been far more drastic. Tourism and the service sector have become more significant than agriculture in the structure of our country’s GDP. Nevertheless, the productivity of this agrarian nation must be sustained. It cannot be argued that the small size of farms—ranging from two to five acres—prevents farmers from using modern machinery and high-quality fertilizers.

This is likely a reason for the decline in agricultural income. However, since India remains defined as an agrarian nation, soil and agricultural scientists must now innovate ways to maximize income from these small landholdings. Accepting this challenge, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ nationwide. His slogan is: “If the farm soil is saved, the farmer will be empowered.” Saving the soil is a complex task, as illegal mining operations often target these very lands. As time passes, a nation increasingly inclined towards leisure rather than labor is witnessing a decline in its agricultural income. This new campaign, initiated by the Agriculture Minister, will reach out to villages across the country to teach farmers advanced agricultural techniques. He said that if the soil is preserved, the farmer will be empowered, and the nation will prosper. Under this campaign, the nationwide focus will extend beyond soil testing to emphasize the correct use of fertilizers, water conservation, natural farming, and the adoption of scientific agricultural practices.

Farmlands will not be allowed to turn into crisis-ridden zones plagued by the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides— situations that result in high labor input but low financial returns. The ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign) will continue until June 30. In addition to soil testing, expert teams will provide information on balanced nutrient management, natural farming, modern sowing techniques, and water conservation, while also teaching struggling farmers the nuances of productive and high-quality farming. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the excessive use of chemicals depletes soil fertility and destroys beneficial microorganisms. In such a scenario, how can one expect adequate yields or profitable farming? The government believes that by adopting these methods and fostering a positive atmosphere in agriculture, farmers will see increased earnings and will no longer feel as unfortunate as the country’s small farmers do today