Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan from Karnal to safeguard farmland and human life
Distilled Policy Brief
- Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan launched the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' (October 22 – November 30, 2026) from Taraori, Haryana, urging farmers to adopt Soil Health Cards, balanced fertilization, and natural farming formulations like Bijamrit and Ghan Jeevamrit.
- To counter soil degradation and optimize the annual fertilizer subsidy outlay exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore, the government stressed crop diversification, stopping stubble burning, and transitioning to Green Ammonia for fertilizer self-reliance.
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), a financial grant of ₹1,343.06 crore was formally approved to construct 28,422 pucca houses for eligible rural poor households in Haryana.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Khet Bachao Abhiyan focuses on soil restoration through Soil Health Cards, Bijamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, and Green Ammonia adoption; fertilizer subsidies absorb over ₹1.5 lakh crore annually.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the ecological and fiscal impact of chemical fertilizer over-use in India. Discuss how campaigns like 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' alongside natural farming formulations can promote sustainable agriculture and fiscal prudence.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare: 1. It emphasizes balanced nutrient management guided by Soil Health Cards and encourages natural farming practices such as using Bijamrit and Ghan Jeevamrit. 2. It advocates crop diversification and a shift toward Green Ammonia to promote sustainable soil health and fertilizer self-reliance. 3. It redirects the entire annual fertilizer subsidy outlay of ₹1.5 lakh crore directly to fund rural housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct: The 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' promotes soil restoration through Soil Health Cards, natural inputs (Bijamrit and Ghan Jeevamrit), crop diversification, and Green Ammonia adoption for self-reliance. Statement 3 is incorrect: The government provides over ₹1.5 lakh crore as a fertilizer subsidy to support farmers, whereas the ₹1,343.06 crore under PMAY-G was a separate grant formally sanctioned for constructing pucca houses for eligible rural poor households in Haryana.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.