Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026: Key Facts, Highlights, Agricultural Inputs, Dhaincha, Soil Health and Sustainable Farming

Why in news?

The Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Rabi 2026) was inaugurated on 22 October 2026 at Revora village, Bardez taluka, North Goa, to promote soil health conservation, balanced fertilizer use and sustainable farming practices.

Key Facts 

What is Khet Bachao Abhiyan?

• Khet Bachao Abhiyan (KBA) is an agricultural awareness initiative that encourages farmers to protect soil fertility, use fertilizers scientifically and adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
• The Rabi 2026 campaign is part of a nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The campaign also promotes crop diversification, crop residue management, integrated pest management and climate-resilient farming.

Highlights of the Programme

• Soil-Test-Based Nutrient Management
  • Farmers were encouraged to use fertilizers according to soil test results rather than applying them without scientific assessment.
  • Soil testing helps identify nutrient deficiencies and supports the appropriate use of fertilizers.
  • It helps in improving soil fertility, reducing unnecessary fertilizer expenditure, supporting better nutrient absorption by crops and helping maintain long-term agricultural productivity.
• Balanced Fertilizer Use
  • The programme highlighted the importance of using fertilizers in a balanced and judicious manner.
  • Excessive or improper fertilizer application may affect soil health, increase cultivation costs and contribute to environmental problems.
  • Farmers were encouraged to combine chemical fertilizers with organic sources of nutrients wherever suitable.
• Sustainable Rabi Crop Production
  • Special attention was given to Rabi crops, particularly vegetables and pulses.
  • Farmers were advised to adopt quality seeds and disease-free planting material, seed and seedling treatment, biofertilizers, biopesticides, integrated water, weed, pest and disease management.
• Organic Farming and Recycling of Farm Waste
  • The programme explained how locally available livestock resources can support sustainable agriculture.
  • Recycling livestock waste can reduce dependence on external agricultural inputs and support integrated crop-livestock farming.

• Water Conservation and Climate-Resilient Agriculture
  • Farmers were encouraged to use irrigation resources efficiently and adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices.
  • The programme also highlighted efficient irrigation management, quality vegetable seedling production, sustainable nutrient management and conservation of natural resources.
  • These practices can help farmers manage agricultural risks and improve resource efficiency. 
• Government Schemes and Farmer Awareness
  • The programme also highlighted government agricultural schemes and the effective utilisation of farm resources.
  • Farmers were encouraged to utilise farm waste for soil enrichment and additional income, improve irrigation resource management, adopt climate-resilient crop production and produce and use quality seeds and planting material.

Participation and Distribution of Agricultural Inputs

• Progressive farmers also shared their experiences to encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in nearby villages.
• The programme was attended by representatives of the Directorate of Agriculture, ATMA North Goa, Vanrai NGO and local panchayat officials. 

What is the importance of Soil Health?

• Soil health refers to the ability of soil to function as a living ecosystem that supports plant growth, maintains environmental quality and sustains agricultural productivity.
• Healthy soil supports:
  • Nutrient availability: Supplies essential nutrients for crop growth.
  • Water retention: Helps maintain moisture for crops.
  • Soil biodiversity: Supports beneficial microorganisms and soil organisms.
  • Agricultural productivity: Improves the foundation for sustainable crop production.
  • Environmental protection: Helps reduce soil degradation and nutrient losses.

Soil Health and Sustainable Farming

What is Dhaincha?

• Dhaincha is a green manure crop commonly associated with soil fertility improvement.
• It is useful because:
  • It can add organic matter to soil.
  • It supports biological nitrogen fixation through its association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
  • It can improve soil structure and nutrient management.
  • It supports sustainable agricultural practices.
• Dhaincha seeds were distributed to farmers during the Revora programme by ICAR-KVK, CCARI.

Nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan

• The Revora programme is connected with the broader nationwide campaign launched from Karnal, Haryana.
• The campaign will continue until 30 November 2026.
• The nationwide campaign aims to reach approximately one crore participants through ATMA and ICAR, with 4,150 teams involving KVKs and ATMA and more than 12,000 scientists and ATMA functionaries expected to contribute.
• Activities include farmers' conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations at state, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels. 

Challenges 

• Excessive fertilizer use: Improper fertilizer application can affect soil quality and increase cultivation costs.
• Limited soil testing: Farmers may not always have access to timely soil testing and scientific recommendations.
• Low awareness: Knowledge about organic inputs, biofertilizers and integrated nutrient management may vary across farming communities.
• Water management: Inefficient irrigation can contribute to water wastage and soil degradation.
• Climate change: Changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather can affect soil moisture, crop productivity and agricultural planning.

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