New Delhi, June 16: With soil degradation emerging as one of the biggest threats to Indian agriculture, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has intensified its nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, a campaign aimed at protecting soil health and promoting sustainable, profitable farming.
Agricultural experts warn that excessive use of chemical fertilizers, declining groundwater levels, and the growing impact of climate change are steadily reducing soil fertility, threatening crop productivity, food security, and farmers’ incomes. The campaign is driven by a simple yet powerful message: healthy soil is the foundation of a prosperous farming sector.
As part of the initiative, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is conducting awareness programmes to educate farmers about balanced fertilizer use, Soil Health Cards, organic manure, micronutrients, and modern farming techniques. The campaign also promotes drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, crop diversification, and eco-friendly agricultural practices to improve long-term productivity while conserving natural resources.
Farmers are additionally being educated on identifying genuine fertilizers and pesticides to protect themselves from counterfeit agricultural inputs that often lead to financial losses and poor crop performance.
IPL Managing Director Dr. P. S. Gahlaut said balanced nutrient management, coupled with organic inputs and scientific soil testing, is crucial for restoring soil health. He added that rising global fertilizer prices and geopolitical uncertainties have made efficient nutrient management more important than ever.
With growing concerns over soil depletion, experts believe the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ could become a game-changing initiative for sustainable agriculture, stronger farm incomes, and India’s long-term food security.
