ICAR-DWR Successfully Concludes Month-long “Khet Bachao Abhiyaan”, Reaching Over 5,600 Farmers Across Jabalpur District

The ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), Jabalpur successfully concluded the month-long "Khet Bachao Abhiyaan", organized from 1 to 30 June 2026, with enthusiastic participation of farmers, scientists, village panchayat representatives, input dealers, FPOs /SHGs and other stakeholders. The campaign was conducted as part of the nationwide initiative to promote sustainable agriculture, soil health conservation and climate-resilient farming practices. The campaign was led by Dr. P. K. Singh, Principal Scientist, as Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav (MGMG) Nodal Officer, while Dr. Surabhi Hota, Scientist, coordinated the programme as Nodal Officer, Khet Bachao Abhiyaan.

During the month-long outreach programme, ICAR-DWR scientists covered nearly 60 villages across Jabalpur and adjoining districts of Madhya Pradesh, directly benefiting around 5,600 farmers through awareness campaigns, field demonstrations, farmer-scientist interactions, Kisan Gosthis, Sarpanch Sammelans and technical advisory sessions. The campaign focused on creating awareness about soil health conservation, balanced and soil test-based fertilizer application, natural farming, integrated nutrient management, efficient water use, improved weed management strategies, green manuring and sustainable crop production technologies. Scientists sensitized farmers on the importance of protecting agricultural soils through scientific nutrient management, enhancement of soil organic carbon, use of biofertilizers and organic amendments, weed management, crop diversification and adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices. Practical demonstrations on green manuring and biofertilizer application, coupled with interactive discussions, enabled farmers to understand location-specific technologies for improving soil fertility, reducing production costs and enhancing crop productivity.

Informational literature and technical advisories were distributed to participating farmers, encouraging the adoption of resource-conserving and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices for long-term soil health, enhanced farm profitability and livelihood security. Speaking on the successful completion of the campaign, Dr. J. S. Mishra, Director, ICAR-DWR, Jabalpur stated, "Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture and national food security. Through the Khet Bachao Abhiyaan, ICAR-DWR has strengthened farmers' awareness of science-based soil management practices that enhance productivity while conserving natural resources for future generations." The successful completion of the month-long campaign reaffirms ICAR-Directorate of Weed Research, Jabalpur's commitment to empowering farmers through scientific knowledge, field-based demonstrations and continuous extension support for promoting sustainable, climate-resilient and nature-positive agriculture.