Centre Rolls Out Nationwide Drive to Promote Sustainable Farming Ahead of Rabi Season

The Union Government is set to launch a nationwide agricultural awareness campaign, ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026’, from Karnal in Haryana on Thursday. Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the initiative, which will run until November 30.

The campaign aims to encourage environmentally responsible farming, protect soil fertility and promote the efficient use of agricultural resources among farmers across the country.

A major focus of the programme will be educating farmers on the importance of soil testing before applying fertilisers and other farm inputs. It will encourage the adoption of balanced fertilisation practices to maintain soil health while reducing unnecessary expenditure on agricultural inputs.

The initiative will also promote crop diversification, with special emphasis on pulses, oilseeds and horticulture. Farmers will be encouraged to make productive use of fields left vacant after paddy harvesting and adopt effective methods for managing crop residue.

In addition, the campaign will highlight the benefits of organic and bio-based agricultural products, alongside natural farming techniques. Farmers will receive practical guidance through training programmes, awareness drives and on-field demonstrations.

To reach farmers at the grassroots level, various activities, including farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and practical demonstrations, will be conducted across states, districts, blocks and Gram Panchayats. Agriculture departments will coordinate with Krishi Vigyan Kendras, institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and agricultural universities to ensure the campaign reaches a wider audience.

Public awareness efforts will also use regional-language materials, radio broadcasts, Doordarshan, social media and other communication platforms to spread information about sustainable farming practices.

Through ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026’, the government aims to strengthen soil and water conservation, encourage economical farming methods and improve the long-term sustainability of agriculture. The initiative is also expected to support farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to the broader vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.