What's Happening?
The Director of Agriculture in Jammu, Anil Gupta, has announced the launch of the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan', a month-long campaign aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the Jammu Division. This initiative, directed by Union Minister
for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeks to transform from a mere awareness program into a comprehensive national campaign. The campaign will focus on reducing the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, promoting the balanced use of fertilizers based on soil testing, and encouraging the adoption of organic inputs and bio-products. Multidisciplinary teams from Agriculture Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and the Agriculture Department will visit Panchayat levels to interact with farmers, providing field-specific advisories. The campaign also aims to involve public representatives to ensure broad participation and effectiveness.
Why It's Important?
The 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' is significant as it addresses critical issues in agriculture, such as the overuse of chemical fertilizers, which can degrade soil health and reduce long-term agricultural productivity. By promoting sustainable practices, the campaign aims to enhance soil health, increase farm sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of farmers. The initiative also aligns with national goals of self-reliance in agriculture, as it includes awareness programs on the Mission on Aatmanirbharta in Pulses and the National Mission on Edible Oils. The campaign's success could serve as a model for other regions, potentially leading to widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices across India.
What's Next?
The campaign will run from June 1 to June 30, during which time multidisciplinary teams will conduct Panchayat-level visits to engage with farmers directly. The initiative will also include saturation drives under the Kisan Credit Card and PM-KISAN schemes to ensure all eligible farmers receive benefits. Additionally, enforcement drives will be intensified to maintain the quality of pesticides and agricultural inputs in the market. The campaign's progress and impact will likely be monitored closely, with potential adjustments made to enhance its effectiveness and reach.
