The Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign on soil health and sustainable farming, is being observed from 1 June to 30 June 2026. Launched by the Government of India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the month-long drive aims to help farmers protect soil fertility and use scientific farming practices in the field.
Arunachal Pradesh has joined the campaign through the Agriculture and Allied Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutions, farmers and local communities. The programme is focused on practical awareness, including soil testing, balanced use of fertilizers, natural farming methods and water conservation.
Why the campaign is focusing on soil
The campaign is built around a basic farming concern: healthy soil is needed for steady crop production. The source notes that excessive chemical fertilizer use, nutrient imbalance, soil erosion and changing climate conditions can affect soil quality over time. The drive is meant to make farmers more aware of these risks and the steps that can reduce them.
Under the campaign, farmers are being encouraged to use soil analysis and technical advice while planning fertilizer use and crop practices. The awareness activities cover Soil Health Cards, soil health management, natural farming, scientific crop management and sustainable agricultural techniques.
Launch and training in Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, the campaign was formally launched by the Department of Agriculture and Allied Departments in Papum Pare district. The launch programme included technical sessions on balanced fertilizer application, soil management and natural farming practices. These sessions were aimed at giving farmers information that can be used directly in their fields.
The campaign is being taken to several districts of the state. In Namsai district, awareness programmes were organised for farmers from Lathao, Momong and Nanam Khamtiang villages. The sessions focused on crop planning, balanced fertilizer use, natural farming, crop rotation and soil health management. Farmers were also given climate-resilient paddy seeds.
In Leparada district, the ICAR Arunachal Pradesh Centre at Basar, in collaboration with KVK West Siang, conducted programmes for farmers from Leparada and West Siang districts. These sessions covered sustainable soil management and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
The campaign was also launched in Tawang district, where the focus was on natural farming and sustainable agriculture. In West Kameng district, awareness programmes were held at Khamkar and Khasso villages. Farmers there were encouraged to use eco-friendly and soil-friendly agricultural practices.
In the Chongkham block of Namsai district, farmers were sensitised on composting, vermicomposting, crop rotation, intercropping and government initiatives that support natural farming. In East Kameng district, KVK East Kameng organised training on soil health management, organic composting, climate-resilient farming technologies and scientific crop rotation.
Practices promoted under the drive
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan is promoting several farm practices that are linked to soil fertility and lower input pressure. These include:
- Soil test-based nutrient management
- Balanced application of fertilizers
- Use of biofertilizers and organic manure
- Green manuring
- Crop rotation, especially with pulses
- Natural farming techniques
- Water conservation measures
These methods are being presented as ways to maintain soil health, support crop productivity and help farmers manage input costs. The campaign also connects soil conservation with climate-resilient farming, which is relevant for districts where agriculture is closely tied to local livelihoods and food security.
Participation across India
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, more than 9.42 lakh farmers have already participated in the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The campaign includes awareness programmes, training sessions and field demonstrations across the country.
For Arunachal Pradesh, the campaign brings together government departments, agricultural scientists, KVKs and farmers at the district and village level. Its main message is direct: protecting soil health is necessary for future farming. During the June campaign period, the state-level activities are giving farmers access to information on soil testing, natural farming and crop practices that can be adapted to local fields.
Source: MyGov Blog.