Centre Launches Nationwide Campaign to Improve Soil Health and Promote Sustainable Farming

The Government of India has launched Khet Bachaao Abhiyaan–Rabi 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at improving soil fertility, encouraging balanced fertiliser use and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. The campaign, running from 22 October to 30 November 2026, seeks to reach approximately 50 lakh farmers across 34 states and Union Territories.

Organised under the theme Swasth Dhara, Samriddh Kisan (Healthy Soil, Prosperous Farmer), the programme will cover more than 700 districts and 50,000 villages. It addresses growing concerns over declining soil fertility, excessive fertiliser application, rising cultivation expenses and the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity.

A major focus of the campaign is scientific nutrient management, encouraging farmers to select appropriate fertilisers and apply them in recommended quantities. It also promotes natural farming, crop diversification, water conservation and sustainable crop residue management.

To support implementation, approximately 4,150 field teams will be deployed, assisted by more than 12,000 agricultural scientists and field functionaries. The programme includes 11,750 training sessions and 50,000 field demonstrations to introduce farmers to improved agricultural technologies and resource-efficient cultivation methods.

Special attention will be given to reducing crop residue burning in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt alternatives, including composting, mulching and vermicomposting.

The initiative also aims to strengthen awareness of government agricultural schemes, soil health cards, crop insurance and institutional financial assistance.

Building on earlier agricultural outreach programmes, the campaign seeks to improve long-term soil productivity, reduce unnecessary input costs and strengthen farmers' resilience against changing climatic conditions.

02-11-2026