NewzVille Desk
Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Ramasiya village in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, spreading a message to farmers that if the soil is protected, agriculture will thrive, farmers will become stronger, and the nation will prosper.
He called for the promotion of balanced fertilizer use, soil testing, Soil Health Cards, natural farming, water conservation, and scientific agricultural practices. Chouhan said that the Earth is our mother and protecting its health is a collective responsibility.
The month-long campaign will run across the country from June 1 to June 30.
He appealed to farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and instead apply fertilizers only according to the actual requirements of the soil based on scientific testing.
He noted that excessive use of chemicals reduces soil fertility and destroys beneficial micro organisms present in the soil, directly affecting agricultural productivity and increasing cultivation costs.
During the campaign, farmers will be guided on crop selection and seed varieties best suited to local agro-climatic conditions, appropriate farming systems, seed treatment methods, and other scientific agricultural practices. Information on the use of green manure for improving soil health will also be disseminated.
In addition, benefits of various schemes of the Central and State Governments will be extended to farmers across the country through the campaign.
A large number of farmers, agricultural scientists, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, public representatives, and administrative officials attended the programme.
On the occasion, nutrition kits were also distributed to malnourished children.
