Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan‑Rabi 2026” from Karnal, Haryana on October 22, the Centre said on Thursday. The campaign will run until 30 November and seeks to promote sustainable farming practices and prudent use of agricultural inputs ahead of the rabi sowing season.
Objectives and focus areas
According to the government statement, the campaign is designed to bolster soil health and encourage the balanced and judicious application of fertilisers and other inputs on the basis of soil testing. It will also promote crop diversification under oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, and focus on optimal utilisation of fallow fields that become available after paddy harvest.
The campaign will emphasise crop residue management and training for farmers in the appropriate use of organic and bio‑based products. Promotion of natural farming through awareness drives, training sessions and field demonstrations is another stated objective.
Delivery mechanisms and institutional partners
The Centre said state agriculture departments will work in tandem with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes and agricultural universities to ensure wide participation at all administrative levels. Activities under the campaign will be organised at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.
- Farmers’ conferences and Kisan Chaupals to be held across rural areas.
- Training sessions and field demonstrations planned to show on‑farm techniques.
- Soil testing will be promoted to guide fertiliser application.
Public outreach will be supported by local‑language information materials and broadcast media, including radio and Doordarshan, in addition to social media and other information, education and communication activities, the statement added.
Declared outcomes and national priorities
The government framed the campaign as a measure to strengthen soil and water conservation, promote efficient and cost‑effective farming practices and improve agricultural sustainability. It said the initiative aligns with efforts to enhance farmers’ long‑term prosperity and the broader Viksit Bharat vision.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch site | Karnal, Haryana |
| Launch date | 22 October 2026 |
| Campaign period | 22 October – 30 November 2026 |
| Key implementing agencies | State agriculture departments, KVKs, ICAR institutes, agricultural universities |
What farmers can expect locally
Farmers in Haryana and other states can expect a sequence of outreach activities over the campaign period. These include district‑level Kisan Sammelans (farmers’ conferences), on‑farm demonstrations of residue management and natural farming techniques, and guidance on soil testing to tailor fertiliser use.
The focus on utilising fallow fields after paddy harvest may be particularly relevant in parts of Haryana where farmers traditionally manage a rice‑wheat cropping system. Promotion of oilseeds, pulses and horticulture is intended to expand cropping choices and reduce monoculture dependence.
Coordination and measurement
The statement indicates inter‑institutional coordination but does not specify monitoring indicators or budgetary allocations for the campaign. Implementation will rest with state departments and research institutions at the district and block level, which are expected to report on outreach activities and farmer participation.
Further details regarding specific events in Karnal and a schedule of district‑level activities are expected to be released by the Union Agriculture Ministry and the Haryana agriculture department in the coming days.
Officials said the campaign will use a mix of traditional and digital media to reach farmers, emphasising messages in local languages to improve uptake and comprehension.
