New Delhi, June 16: With Indian agriculture facing mounting challenges such as climate change, declining soil fertility, falling groundwater levels, and the excessive use of chemical fertilisers, the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save Farms Campaign) to promote sustainable and profitable farming practices.
The campaign is centred around the message: “If soil is protected, farming will survive, farmers will prosper, and the nation will thrive.” Agricultural experts underline that soil health is the foundation of agricultural productivity and food security. Continued degradation of soil fertility could lead to lower crop yields, higher cultivation costs, and long-term risks to food production.
As part of the initiative, Indian Potash Limited (IPL) is actively working to raise awareness among farmers about soil health management, balanced nutrient application, and modern agricultural practices. Experts note that while the Green Revolution significantly boosted foodgrain production, the excessive and imbalanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has adversely affected soil quality in many regions. Overuse of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash has disrupted nutrient balance, while declining levels of beneficial microorganisms and organic carbon have reduced the soil’s water-holding capacity.
A key focus of the campaign is promoting the use of Soil Health Cards, which provide scientific recommendations on nutrient deficiencies and fertiliser requirements for individual farms. The initiative seeks to encourage balanced fertiliser use, reduce input costs, and preserve soil fertility over the long term.
The campaign also promotes natural and organic farming practices, including the use of farmyard manure, compost, vermicompost, and green manure to improve soil health and sustain productivity. Farmers are being trained in these techniques to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Recognising the growing water crisis, the campaign places special emphasis on water conservation through drip and sprinkler irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and water-efficient farming technologies. Farmers are also being educated on seed treatment, balanced nutrient management, modern sowing techniques, crop diversification, and selecting crops suited to local agro-climatic conditions.
In addition, the initiative aims to protect farmers from economic losses caused by counterfeit fertilisers and pesticides by educating them about identifying quality agricultural inputs and ensuring their proper use.
Dr P.S. Gahlaut, Managing Director of Indian Potash Limited, said that the use of balanced fertilisers, Soil Health Cards, organic manures, and micronutrients can significantly improve soil health. He added that amid ongoing tensions in West Asia and rising global fertiliser prices, the need for soil conservation and balanced nutrient management has become more critical than ever.