ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai Organizes ‘Khet Bachaao Abhiyan’ in Raigad District to Promote Soil Health and Natural Farming

17 June 2026, Mumbai

As part of the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, from 1–30 June 2026, the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, organized an extensive farmer awareness and outreach campaign across 16 villages in the Pen, Roha, Tala and Mangaon tehsils of Raigad district, Maharashtra, during 15–17 June 2026.

The awareness programmes were successfully conducted in the various villages viz., Aamtem, Tambadi (Khurd), Tambadi (Budruk), Medha, Virjoli, Kumbet, Ghosale, Gaulwadi, Khari, Mahalunge, Temghar, Khambere, Khutal, Kokban, Gadbal, and Hodgaon. To ensure maximum farmer participation and outreach, the programmes were organized at community venues such as Gram Panchayat offices, community halls, temples, and farmers’ fields.

During the campaign, the ICAR-CIRCOT team sensitized farmers about the importance of soil health conservation, balanced fertilizer use, integrated nutrient management, and natural farming practices for achieving sustainable agricultural production. Farmers were also made aware of the Soil Health Card Scheme and advised to undertake regular soil testing to assess soil fertility status and adopt appropriate nutrient management practices accordingly.

Special emphasis was placed on creating awareness about various natural farming techniques suitable for paddy cultivation, including Beejamrut, Jeevamrut, Gau Krupa Amrut, Dashparni Ark, green manuring, crop rotation, and the Saguna Rice Technique (SRT), etc. These practices were highlighted as effective approaches for improving soil health, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

The campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from approximately 300 farmers, reflecting the growing interest among farming communities in sustainable agricultural practices and natural farming.

(Source: ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai)