Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026

Introduction

To address these concerns, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan on October 23, 2026, from Taraori in Karnal district, Haryana. The campaign focuses on soil conservation, balanced use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, crop rotation, natural farming and the prevention of stubble burning.

The initiative highlights the importance of protecting agricultural land while encouraging farmers to adopt more sustainable cultivation practices. It also draws attention to green ammonia as a potential contributor to India’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in fertiliser production.

What Is Khet Bachao Abhiyan?

Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a campaign focused on protecting agricultural land and improving soil health through sustainable farming practices.

The campaign encourages farmers to use agricultural inputs responsibly, diversify their cropping patterns and adopt natural farming methods. It also promotes awareness about the harmful effects of stubble burning and the importance of maintaining soil fertility for future agricultural production.

The central idea is simple: protecting farmland today is essential for maintaining agricultural productivity tomorrow.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026: Key Highlights

Objectives of Khet Bachao Abhiyan

The campaign focuses on several interconnected objectives that support long-term agricultural sustainability.

1. Protecting Soil Health

• Soil health is essential for crop growth, nutrient availability and water retention. Repeated cultivation, inappropriate input use and poor land management can reduce soil quality over time.
• The campaign promotes practices intended to conserve soil and maintain its fertility. Healthy soil can support more sustainable agricultural production and reduce the risk of long-term land degradation.

2. Promoting Balanced Fertiliser and Pesticide Use

• Chemical fertilisers help supply essential plant nutrients, while pesticides can protect crops from pests and diseases. However, inappropriate or excessive application can contribute to soil degradation, water pollution and other environmental problems.
• Khet Bachao Abhiyan encourages farmers to use these inputs in a balanced and responsible manner.
• The objective is not simply to reduce agricultural inputs indiscriminately, but to encourage farming practices that meet crop requirements while protecting soil and the surrounding environment.

3. Encouraging Crop Rotation

• The campaign particularly promotes the inclusion of pulses such as chickpea, lentil and pigeon pea in crop rotation.
• Crop rotation involves growing different crops on the same field in a planned sequence rather than continuously cultivating the same crop.
• This practice can help improve soil fertility, diversify farm production and break certain pest and disease cycles.

4. Promoting Natural Farming

• Farmers are encouraged to adopt natural farming on at least half an acre using traditional preparations such as Beejamrit and Ghanjeevamrit.
• This approach provides an opportunity to explore natural farming practices on a small area while learning how they perform under local soil and climatic conditions.

5. Discouraging Stubble Burning

• The campaign discourages the burning of crop residues after harvesting.
• Stubble burning releases smoke and particulate pollution into the atmosphere. It can also damage organisms living near the soil surface and remove organic material that could otherwise be managed through alternative agricultural practices.

6. Supporting Fertiliser Self-Reliance

• The campaign also highlights the potential of green ammonia in strengthening India’s self-reliance in fertiliser production.
• Green ammonia is produced using green hydrogen and nitrogen, with renewable energy playing a central role in the production process.
• Its potential relevance lies in reducing the carbon footprint associated with conventional ammonia production and supporting the transition towards cleaner industrial processes.

Why Is Soil Conservation Important?

Soil conservation refers to protecting soil from erosion, degradation and the loss of fertility.

Agricultural soil is a valuable natural resource, but it can take a long time to recover after severe degradation. Maintaining its quality is therefore essential for both farmers and the wider economy.

Major Benefits of Soil Conservation

• Maintains soil fertility: Healthy soil supports nutrient availability and helps sustain crop growth.
• Improves water retention: Good soil structure can improve the ability of soil to absorb and retain water.
• Reduces erosion: Appropriate land management helps limit the removal of fertile topsoil by wind and water.
• Supports beneficial organisms: Soil contains bacteria, fungi, earthworms and other organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling and soil structure.
• Promotes sustainable agriculture: Conserving soil helps maintain productive farmland for future generations.
• Supports farmer livelihoods: Healthy agricultural land can contribute to more stable production over the long term, although actual yields depend on rainfall, crop choice, management and other factors.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan brings attention to these issues by encouraging practices that protect the agricultural resource on which farming depends.

What Is Crop Rotation and Why Does It Matter?

• Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops on the same piece of land in a planned sequence across different seasons.
• For example, a farmer may grow a cereal crop in one season and a pulse crop in a subsequent season.
• The benefits depend on the crops selected, the soil type, water availability and local farming conditions.

How Can Pulses Improve Soil Fertility?

• Khet Bachao Abhiyan specifically highlights pulses such as chickpea, lentil and pigeon pea.
• Pulses belong to the legume family. Many legumes form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use.
• This process can contribute to soil nitrogen availability, although the amount retained in the soil depends on factors such as crop growth, residue management and harvesting practices.

Major Benefits of Including Pulses in Crop Rotation

• Nitrogen contribution: Legumes can help add biologically fixed nitrogen to the farming system.
• Crop diversification: Growing different crops reduces dependence on a single crop.
• Pest and disease management: Rotating crops can interrupt the life cycles of certain crop-specific pests and pathogens.
• Better resource use: Different crops may use soil nutrients and water differently.
• Farm income diversification: Pulses can provide an additional source of food and income, depending on market conditions.

Crop rotation should be planned according to local agroclimatic conditions, available irrigation and market demand.

What Is Natural Farming?

• Natural farming is an approach to agriculture that emphasises ecological processes, locally available resources and the use of natural farming preparations.
• It seeks to reduce dependence on externally purchased synthetic inputs through practices that support soil biology, nutrient cycling and sustainable farm management.
• Under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan described in the supplied material, farmers are encouraged to try natural farming on at least half an acre using preparations such as Beejamrit and Ghanjeevamrit.

Key Principles of Natural Farming

1. Supporting soil microorganisms: Natural farming practices aim to maintain a favourable environment for beneficial soil organisms.

2. Using locally available materials: Traditional preparations may use ingredients available on or near the farm.

3. Maintaining soil cover: Mulching and suitable crop residues can help reduce evaporation and protect soil from erosion.

4. Diversifying crops: Growing different crops can improve the diversity of the farming system.

5. Reducing unnecessary chemical inputs: Natural farming encourages alternative approaches to crop nutrition and management, although farmers must ensure that crop nutrient and pest-management needs are met.

Natural farming outcomes vary with soil type, rainfall, crop selection, preparation quality and management practices. Farmers should assess the approach under local conditions rather than assume that one method will produce the same results everywhere.

What Is Beejamrit?

Recording out · NABARD Grade A 2026: 45-Day Final Revision Plan + Daily Targets · Watch the recording →

• Beejamrit is a traditional preparation used for seed treatment in natural farming.
• According to the supplied material, it is prepared by mixing cow dung and cow urine with water.
• It is used to treat seeds before sowing and is intended to provide a protective coating and support seed establishment.

Benefits of Beejamrit

1. Seed treatment: Beejamrit is applied to seeds before sowing as part of traditional natural farming practices.

2. Support for seed establishment: Proper seed treatment and good sowing conditions can help improve crop establishment. The results of Beejamrit specifically depend on preparation and use.

3. Soil-health-oriented farming: Its use forms part of a broader approach that emphasises biological processes and locally available materials.

4. Reduced dependence on some external inputs: Farmers using natural farming may incorporate Beejamrit into their input-management practices.

How Is Beejamrit Different From Ghanjeevamrit?

• Beejamrit is primarily associated with seed treatment, whereas Ghanjeevamrit is used as a nutrient-rich preparation intended to support soil fertility.
• Their purposes within natural farming are therefore different.
• For reliable results, farmers should follow appropriate preparation and application practices and maintain good seed quality and field management.

What Is Ghanjeevamrit?

Ghanjeevamrit is a traditional preparation used in natural farming to support soil fertility and plant growth.

The supplied material identifies its ingredients as:

• Cow dung
• Cow urine
• Jaggery
• Pulse flour
• Forest soil

The preparation is intended to support beneficial microorganisms and improve the biological activity of agricultural soil.

Benefits of Ghanjeevamrit

1. Supports soil biological activity: It is used with the aim of encouraging beneficial microbial processes in the soil.

2. Contributes to soil fertility management: It forms part of natural farming practices that focus on maintaining soil health.

3. Uses locally available resources: Its ingredients may be available to farmers in areas where traditional livestock-based farming practices are common.

4. Supports a natural farming system: Ghanjeevamrit can be incorporated into a broader management approach that includes crop diversification, mulching and responsible resource use.

The effectiveness of such preparations can vary. Their use should be considered alongside soil testing, crop nutrient requirements, moisture management and other sound agricultural practices.

Beejamrit vs Ghanjeevamrit

The distinction between these two preparations is important for agriculture-related competitive examinations.

Exam takeaway: Beejamrit is associated with seeds, while Ghanjeevamrit is associated with soil fertility.

What Is Stubble Burning and Why Should It Be Avoided?

• Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residues left in the field after harvesting.
• Farmers may burn residues to clear fields quickly before sowing the next crop. However, this practice can have serious environmental consequences.
• Khet Bachao Abhiyan discourages stubble burning because it contributes to air pollution and can damage beneficial soil organisms, including earthworms and microorganisms.

Environmental Impacts of Stubble Burning

• Air pollution: Burning crop residues releases particulate matter and gases that affect air quality.
• Damage to soil organisms: High temperatures at the soil surface can harm organisms involved in nutrient cycling and soil structure.
• Loss of organic material: Crop residues contain organic matter and nutrients that could potentially be returned to the soil through suitable residue-management practices.
• Greenhouse gas emissions: Burning biomass releases carbon dioxide and other gases, contributing to atmospheric emissions.
• Public health concerns: Smoke and fine particles can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Sustainable Alternatives to Stubble Burning

Farmers can consider several alternatives depending on the crop, equipment available and local conditions:

• Incorporating suitable crop residues into the soil.
• Using mulching where appropriate.
• Employing residue-management machinery.
• Converting residues into compost or other useful products.
• Exploring suitable uses of residues as animal feed or biomass resources.

These alternatives require appropriate equipment, planning and locally suitable management. Their feasibility may differ between small and large farms.

What Is Green Ammonia?

• Green ammonia is ammonia produced using hydrogen derived from renewable-energy-powered electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the atmosphere.
• Its chemical formula is NH₃.
• The supplied material highlights green ammonia as a potential means of strengthening India’s self-reliance in fertiliser production.
• Ammonia is an important industrial chemical used in the manufacture of nitrogen fertilisers. Conventional ammonia production commonly relies on hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, which can generate substantial carbon dioxide emissions.
• Green ammonia aims to reduce emissions by using green hydrogen and renewable electricity.

How Is Green Ammonia Produced?

The process can be understood in three main stages.

• Stage 1: Green hydrogen production
  • Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis using electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power.
• Stage 2: Nitrogen separation
  • Nitrogen is obtained from the atmosphere, usually through an air-separation process.
• Stage 3: Ammonia synthesis
  • Hydrogen and nitrogen react to produce ammonia through the Haber–Bosch process. When the process is powered by renewable electricity and uses green hydrogen, the resulting ammonia can have a substantially lower production-related carbon footprint.

The overall environmental benefit depends on the energy sources, production methods and emissions across the supply chain.

Why Is Green Ammonia Important for India?

1. Lower-carbon fertiliser production: Green ammonia can reduce emissions associated with conventional ammonia manufacturing.

2. Energy transition: It can support the use of renewable energy in industrial production.

3. Fertiliser self-reliance: Developing domestic production capacity could contribute to India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported fossil-based inputs and fertiliser supply chains.

4. Industrial development: Green ammonia may create opportunities for investment in renewable energy, electrolysers and related infrastructure.

5. Climate goals: Its potential contribution to reducing industrial emissions makes it relevant to India’s broader energy-transition efforts.

However, green ammonia production requires renewable electricity, water, infrastructure and investment. Its commercial viability depends on production costs, technology and the availability of reliable renewable energy.

How Is Khet Bachao Abhiyan Relevant to Sustainable Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture seeks to maintain agricultural productivity while protecting soil, water, biodiversity and the long-term livelihoods of farmers.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan connects several important agricultural practices under a common objective: protecting farmland and improving the sustainability of cultivation.

Together, these measures address soil health, farm management and environmental protection. Their long-term effectiveness will depend on implementation, farmer awareness, technical support and suitability for local farming conditions.

Challenges in Promoting Sustainable Farming Practices

Although sustainable agricultural practices offer important potential benefits, their adoption can face several challenges.

1. Awareness and Training

• Farmers need practical guidance on crop rotation, natural farming preparations, residue management and soil conservation.
• Demonstrations and field-level training can help farmers understand the methods and assess their suitability.

2. Transition Risks

• Changing established cultivation practices may affect yields, input requirements and farm income during the transition period.
• Farmers may need local technical support and reliable information to manage these risks.

3. Availability of Resources

• Residue-management machinery, irrigation, quality inputs and extension services may not be equally available to all farmers.
• Support systems must consider the circumstances of small and marginal farmers.

4. Local Soil and Climate Conditions

• A practice that works well in one region may not deliver the same results elsewhere. Soil type, rainfall, temperature and cropping patterns influence agricultural outcomes.

5. Scaling Up Green Ammonia

• Green ammonia production faces challenges related to renewable electricity costs, infrastructure, electrolysis technology and investment requirements.
• Addressing these challenges will be important if green ammonia is to make a substantial contribution to India’s fertiliser sector.

Conclusion

Khet Bachao Abhiyan highlights the importance of protecting agricultural land through soil conservation, balanced input use, crop rotation and natural farming practices. Its emphasis on Beejamrit, Ghanjeevamrit and preventing stubble burning connects traditional agricultural practices with contemporary environmental concerns.

The campaign also draws attention to green ammonia as a potential part of India’s transition towards cleaner fertiliser production.

Ultimately, sustainable agriculture requires more than a single intervention. It depends on healthy soil, responsible resource management, scientific guidance and support for farmers. Protecting agricultural land today can help maintain productive farms and strengthen long-term food security.

Way Forward

The long-term success of soil conservation depends on combining farmer participation with scientific agricultural management.

India can strengthen these efforts through the following measures:

1. Promote soil testing: Encourage farmers to understand the nutrient status of their fields before deciding on fertiliser applications.
2. Improve agricultural extension: Provide practical training on crop rotation, natural farming and residue management.
3. Support crop diversification: Encourage suitable pulses and other crops according to local agroclimatic conditions.
4. Expand access to machinery: Improve access to residue-management equipment, especially for small and marginal farmers.
5. Encourage evidence-based natural farming: Assess outcomes through field trials, soil indicators, crop performance and farmer economics.
6. Strengthen research and innovation: Support research into soil biology, sustainable nutrient management and low-carbon fertiliser production.
7. Build green ammonia capacity: Develop renewable energy, production infrastructure and appropriate policy support.
8. Monitor results: Evaluate soil health, pollution reduction, crop performance and farmer income rather than relying only on adoption figures.

A balanced approach can help protect agricultural land while supporting productivity and farmers’ long-term economic security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026?

Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a campaign launched on October 23, 2026, from Taraori in Karnal district, Haryana, to promote soil conservation, balanced fertiliser and pesticide use, crop rotation and natural farming.

2. Who launched Khet Bachao Abhiyan?

According to the supplied current affairs material, the initiative was launched by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

3. What is the main objective of Khet Bachao Abhiyan?

Its main objective is to protect soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices, including crop rotation, natural farming and the prevention of stubble burning.

4. What is Beejamrit?

Beejamrit is a traditional natural farming preparation made using cow dung, cow urine and water. It is primarily used for seed treatment.

5. What is Ghanjeevamrit?

Ghanjeevamrit is a traditional natural farming preparation made using cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour and forest soil. It is used as part of soil fertility management.

6. What is the difference between Beejamrit and Ghanjeevamrit?

Beejamrit is mainly used for treating seeds before sowing, whereas Ghanjeevamrit is used to support soil fertility and biological activity.

7. Why does Khet Bachao Abhiyan promote pulses?

Pulses such as chickpea, lentil and pigeon pea can contribute to soil nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. Their inclusion in crop rotation can also support crop diversification and pest management.

8. Why is stubble burning discouraged?

Stubble burning contributes to air pollution, releases greenhouse gases and can damage beneficial soil organisms. Suitable residue-management alternatives can help reduce these impacts.

9. What is green ammonia?

Green ammonia is produced by combining green hydrogen, obtained through renewable-energy-powered electrolysis, with nitrogen from the atmosphere through the ammonia synthesis process.

10. How can green ammonia help India?

Green ammonia has the potential to lower emissions from ammonia production, support renewable-energy use and contribute to domestic fertiliser manufacturing capacity.