Source: News on Air
Context:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), has announced major achievements under the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, a campaign aimed at promoting balanced fertilizer use, soil test-based nutrient management, and sustainable farming practices. The campaign was designed to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, particularly urea, which is heavily over-applied in India and contributes to declining soil health, nutrient imbalance, groundwater pollution, and high subsidy outgo.
Key Highlights
- Campaign: Khet Bachao Abhiyan.
- Lead agency: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Parent department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Aims of the Abhiyan:
- Promote soil test-based nutrient management.
- Reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers (especially urea).
- Improve soil fertility and sustainable productivity.
- Encourage environmentally responsible farming practices.
Key practices promoted:
- Green manuring (in-situ ploughing of leguminous crops to enrich soil).
- Bio-fertilizers (microorganism-based inputs such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, PSB).
- Organic nutrient sources (compost, vermicompost, FYM).
- Soil-test-based fertilizer recommendations.
Broader policy connections:
- Soil Health Card scheme (2015) for soil testing.
- PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth), launched 2023, incentivising states to reduce chemical fertilizer use.
- Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission (October 2025) for pulse self-sufficiency, which supports nitrogen-fixing crops.
- ₹2 lakh crore annual fertilizer subsidy, large share lost to inefficiency.
Background Concepts (Q&A)
What is the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)?
An autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Established in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, headquartered in New Delhi. ICAR coordinates agricultural research, education, and extension across India through a network of ~113 research institutes, 74 agricultural universities, and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at the district level.
What is Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)?
A holistic approach to plant nutrition that combines chemical fertilizers, organic manures, bio-fertilizers, and crop residues based on soil tests and crop needs, with the aim of maintaining soil fertility, optimising nutrient use efficiency, and minimising environmental damage. INM is the foundation for sustainable agricultural productivity in India.
What is PM-PRANAM?
The PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth, launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. It incentivises states and union territories to reduce chemical fertilizer use by sharing a portion of the savings in subsidy with states that achieve reductions. States can use the funds for alternative fertilizers, organic farming, soil health improvement, and natural farming.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, consider the following statements:
- It has been launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
- It aims to promote soil test-based nutrient management and reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers.
- It includes capacity-building, field demonstrations, and multi-platform outreach.
- The campaign reportedly reached over 2.7 crore citizens nationwide.
How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
Q2. Consider the following statements about the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
- ICAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
- It was established in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
- Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) operate under the ICAR network at the district level.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Q3. Consider the following statements about Integrated Nutrient Management (INM):
- INM combines chemical fertilizers, organic manures, bio-fertilizers, and crop residues based on soil tests.
- INM aims to optimise nutrient use efficiency and minimise environmental damage.
- Bio-fertilizers include microorganism-based inputs such as Rhizobium, Azotobacter, and Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB).
- Green manuring involves the in-situ ploughing of leguminous crops to enrich the soil.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Q4. With reference to the PM-PRANAM scheme, consider the following statements:
- PM-PRANAM stands for Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth.
- It was launched by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
- It incentivises states to reduce chemical fertilizer use by sharing a portion of subsidy savings with the states.
- States can use the released funds for alternative fertilizers, organic farming, and natural farming.
Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four
Answer Key
- (d), All four statements are correct.
- (e), All four statements are correct.
- (e), All four statements are correct.
- (e), All four statements are correct.
Exam Relevance
| Exam | Relevance |
|---|---|
| NABARD Grade A | Very high importance on agriculture, rural credit, sustainability |
| Agriculture, Geography, Environment Optional | Sustainable agriculture, soil management, agricultural policy |
