Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched in Mizoram to fight soil degradation
Synopsis
Mizoram became the latest state to formally launch the Centre's Khet Bachao Abhiyan on 1 June, with Governor V.K. Singh spotlighting jhum cultivation's unique soil-health challenges. The campaign's month-long blitz of seminars and demonstrations signals a serious push to wean Mizoram's heavily agriculture-dependent economy off chemical fertilisers — with food self-sufficiency and higher farmer incomes as the stated payoff.
Key Takeaways
Mizoram Governor V.K.
Singh (Retd) launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan on 1 June at Lok Bhavan, Aizawl .
The campaign is a nationwide initiative of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare targeting soil degradation from overuse of chemical fertilisers, especially urea .
Throughout June , KVK officials and agricultural scientists will conduct seminars and field demonstrations across Mizoram.
The Governor flagged the particular challenges of jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation on hilly slopes for maintaining soil nutrient balance.
Sustainable practices promoted include green manuring , bio-fertilisers , and organic nutrient sources alongside awareness of schemes like Soil Health Cards and Kisan Credit Cards .
Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd) on Monday, 1 June formally launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in Aizawl, a nationwide campaign of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare aimed at reversing soil degradation through balanced fertiliser use, soil testing, and a shift toward natural farming. The initiative targets the excessive and indiscriminate application of chemical fertilisers that, according to officials, has damaged agricultural land and affected human health.
What the Campaign Targets
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan places special emphasis on reducing overuse of chemical fertilisers, particularly urea. Throughout June, agricultural scientists, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) officials, and state representatives will conduct seminars and on-field demonstrations to train farmers in soil-health management. Sustainable practices — including green manuring, bio-fertilisers, and organic nutrient sources — will be actively promoted alongside awareness drives on central government schemes such as Soil Health Cards, Kisan Credit Cards, Farmers' IDs, and Crop Insurance.
What the Governor Said
Addressing a gathering at Lok Bhavan, Aizawl, Governor Singh expressed concern over the health and environmental toll of chemical-intensive farming. He underlined the importance of soil testing to identify nutrient deficiencies so that crops receive precisely calibrated nutrition rather than blanket applications of fertilisers. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Mission on Natural Farming, calling for a gradual transition toward natural agricultural methods to protect both ecological balance and produce quality.
The Governor noted that Mizoram is heavily dependent on agriculture and argued that with focused support from experts and KVKs, the state can achieve food self-sufficiency while raising farmer incomes. He specifically flagged the challenges posed by jhum cultivation — the traditional slash-and-burn farming practised on hilly slopes — where maintaining soil nutrient balance is particularly difficult. Continuous training in modern scientific techniques, stronger market linkages, and a pivot toward high-value organic crops were among his key recommendations.
Expert Perspective
Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, stressed the need to minimise energy consumption in foodgrain production. He stated that the Khet Bachao Abhiyan would focus on creating awareness about key central schemes and ensuring their effective on-ground implementation.
Attendance and Next Steps
The launch function was attended by Mizoram's Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister P.C. Vanlalruata, officials from multiple line departments, and farmers from across the state. The campaign is set to run through the month of June, with field-level activities coordinated by KVK officials and state agriculture representatives. Going forward, the initiative aims to link improved soil health directly to better farmer incomes through targeted government programme outreach.
Point of View
The state's food self-sufficiency ambitions remain aspirational rather than achievable.
NationPress
20 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Khet Bachao Abhiyan?
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare designed to prevent soil degradation by promoting balanced fertiliser use based on soil testing and encouraging natural farming practices. It aims to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilisers, particularly urea, and improve long-term agricultural productivity.
Where and when was the Khet Bachao Abhiyan launched in Mizoram?
The campaign was launched on 1 June at Lok Bhavan, Aizawl, by Mizoram Governor General V.K. Singh (Retd). Agriculture Minister P.C. Vanlalruata and officials from multiple departments were present at the event.
What activities are planned under the campaign in June?
Throughout June, agricultural scientists, KVK officials, and state representatives will conduct seminars and field demonstrations to train farmers. The campaign will also create awareness about central schemes including Soil Health Cards, Kisan Credit Cards, Farmers' IDs, and Crop Insurance.
Why is soil health particularly challenging in Mizoram?
Mizoram relies heavily on jhum cultivation — a traditional slash-and-burn method practised on hilly slopes — where maintaining soil nutrient balance is especially difficult. Governor V.K. Singh highlighted this as a key reason why continuous farmer training in modern scientific techniques is urgently needed in the state.
What sustainable farming practices does the campaign promote?
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan promotes green manuring, bio-fertilisers, and organic nutrient sources as alternatives to chemical fertilisers. It also encourages a gradual shift toward natural farming in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's National Mission on Natural Farming.
