Over 2.19L panels to check fake agri products under Khet Bachao Abhiyan

The 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan', launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, is gaining momentum across India, with over 8.51 lakh farmers reached through numerous awareness camps, training sessions and demonstrations for healthier soils and sustainable agriculture.

The campaign, scheduled to run from June 1 to 30, is aimed at protecting farmland and encouraging scientific farming. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan, who started the campaign from Raisen in his home state of Madhya Pradesh, urged farmers to adopt balanced use of fertilisers, utilise soil health cards to identify exactly which nutrients their land needs and connect with agricultural scientists and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Under the campaign, the government has formed a National Seed Reserve with 1.74 lakh quintal drought and heat-tolerant seed varieties for sensitive districts for the sowing season. "We have a stock of 19.2 million quintals of superior seeds against the demand of 17.3 million quintals. The government frequently scales up these reserves to mitigate risks and protect agricultural yields," said an official from the ministry.

Over 2.19 lakh committees have been formed across the country to keep a sharp eye on fake goods and adulteration. According to the government, over 83,000 raids have been conducted, 1,798 licenses cancelled and 105 FIRs filed between April 1 of 2025 to June 3 of this year as part of a strict crackdown against substandard agricultural products.

Farmers are being encouraged to use straw and gunny bags as natural mulch to conserve soil moisture, reduce weed growth and protect soil from wind erosion. Various farmer producer organisations (FPO) are undertaking multi-cropping to maximise land utilisation for higher farm productivity, through scientific agronomic practices. Under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, FPOs encourage all farmers to adopt natural farming for soil and water conservation, and work towards improving their incomes.

"Years of over-exploitation and excessive use of chemical fertilisers have severely impacted our soil and water resources. Protecting our land for future generations is now a collective responsibility. Through this meaningful abhiyan, we are encouraging farmers, youth and officials to embrace sustainable and eco-friendly practices such as natural farming and vermicomposting, and move away from harmful chemical dependency," said Hemalata Kapil, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, ICAR.