Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur Champions 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' in West Bengal, Urges Shift to Natural Farming and Soil Conservation

In a major effort to promote sustainable agriculture and reverse soil degradation across the country, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, participated in a high-level event under the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Subhasnagar in the Swarupnagar Block of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Organised by the ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET), the programme highlighted the Central Government's commitment to restoring soil vitality, minimizing chemical dependency, and accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient natural farming techniques.

Addressing a large gathering of agricultural scientists, local farmers, \textension officers, and community leaders, Shri Ram Nath Thakur underscored that soil is not a dead medium, but a living resource that underpins national food security and agrarian prosperity. The event formed an integral part of the month-and-a-half-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan campaign for the ongoing Rabi cropping season, spanning from October 22 to November 30, 2026 across India.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Campaign Drive: The nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan for the Rabi 2026 season runs from October 22 through November 30, 2026, targeting soil restoration and balanced nutrient management nationwide.
• Strategic Focus on Soil Health: Emphasized reducing excessive chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides while promoting organic alternatives to protect soil biological activity.
• Leveraging Tech & Institutions: Urged farmers to actively utilize Soil Health Cards (SHC) for precise, need-based fertilizer application and rely on Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for technical guidance and field demonstrations.
• Organizing Body: Hosted by ICAR-NINFET, showcasing scientific advancements in natural fiber cultivation, agricultural waste utilization, and eco-friendly farming practices.
• Focus Region: Subhasnagar, Swarupnagar Block, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal—a vital agricultural zone prone to intensive cropping challenges.

The Vision Behind Khet Bachao Abhiyan: Preserving Soil as a Living Ecosystem

The Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Farm Campaign) comes at a crucial juncture when agricultural soils across India face severe pressure from decades of intensive farming, unbalanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) application, and climate variability. During his address, Minister Ram Nath Thakur warned against the long-term perils of over-relying on synthetic inputs, which deplete essential soil organic carbon, kill beneficial microbial populations, and undermine long-term soil structure.

The Minister stressed that returning to natural farming practices—incorporating bio-fertilizers, farmyard manure, green manure, and organic pesticides—is essential for sustaining crop yields without causing irreparable ecological harm. By viewing soil as a dynamic living ecosystem, farmers can cultivate healthier crops, lower input costs, and protect consumer health through safer food produce.

Promoting Climate-Resilient Practices and Scientific Innovations

To withstand changing climate patterns, including unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures during the Rabi season, the Union Minister encouraged farmers to integrate modern scientific innovations with traditional wisdom. He highlighted that climate resilience in agriculture requires an end-to-end transformation, including:

• Adopting climate-smart seed varieties developed by ICAR institutions.
• Implementing conservation agriculture, such as zero-tillage and micro-irrigation systems.
• Utilizing natural fiber engineering solutions developed by institutions like ICAR-NINFET to improve soil organic content and mulch quality.
• Practicing crop diversification to break pest cycles and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides.

Empowering Farmers: Soil Health Cards and the Role of KVKs

A central pillar of the Minister’s message was the efficient utilization of the Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme. Soil Health Cards provide localized analysis of 12 vital soil parameters—including primary nutrients (N, P, K), secondary nutrients (S), micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo), and physical parameters (pH, EC, OC). By applying fertilizers strictly according to soil health card recommendations, farmers can significantly optimize input expenses while preventing nutrient toxicity in the soil.

Grassroots Support Through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

Shri Ram Nath Thakur praised the network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which serve as frontline agricultural \textension centers. KVKs act as crucial bridges between agricultural research laboratories and rural farmlands. Through method demonstrations, capacity-building workshops, and real-time diagnostic visits, KVK scientists empower small and marginal farmers to transition seamlessly toward natural farming methodologies without risking yield loss.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy crops, sustainable agriculture, and farmers' prosperity. Returning to natural farming, prioritizing soil health, and making informed decisions through Soil Health Cards are essential steps to safeguard our land for future generations.”
— Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare

Strategic Significance for West Bengal and National Impact

The choice of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal for this high-profile campaign event carries immense strategic value. As a densely populated agrarian region with intensive cropping intensity, North 24 Parganas exemplifies both the challenges of soil degradation and the potential for ecological restoration through natural fibre cropping systems and organic practices. ICAR-NINFET's active involvement highlights how natural fiber by-products—such as jute and mesta waste—can be recycled back into farms as natural organic compost, reinforcing a circular economy in agriculture.

Nationally, the Khet Bachao Abhiyan aligns directly with India's broader agricultural policy goals, including the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), soil health management schemes, and climate-resilient village programmes. Reducing global chemical fertilizer import dependencies while enhancing farm income sustainability remains a major priority for the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary goal of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan?

The primary goal of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan is to raise nationwide awareness among farmers about protecting agricultural soil, reducing excessive chemical fertilizer consumption, restoring soil organic carbon, and adopting sustainable natural farming practices during key cropping seasons like Rabi.

How can farmers benefit from the Soil Health Card scheme?

Soil Health Cards provide customized, scientific reports on the exact nutrient status of a farmer's plot. This allows farmers to apply only the required quantities of specific fertilizers, reducing unnecessary input costs, preventing soil degradation, and enhancing overall crop yields.

What role does ICAR-NINFET play in sustainable agriculture?

The ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET) focuses on research and technology development related to natural fibers like jute and flax. It promotes sustainable agro-processing, rural entrepreneurship, bio-composite utilization, and organic soil enrichment through natural fiber by-products.

When is the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan Rabi campaign taking place?

The ongoing nationwide campaign for the Rabi cropping season runs from October 22 to November 30, 2026, reaching farming communities across all Indian states and Union Territories.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2334717, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2334717&lang=1.