Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participates in the concluding ceremony of ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ in Haryana with Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini

Why in news

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in the concluding ceremony of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign) and launched the Haryana Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mission in Haryana.

Exam relevance

GS3, GS2 · Economy, Governance, Environment & Ecology · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the concluding ceremony of the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Farm Campaign).
2. He also launched the Haryana Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mission.
3. The event took place at the College of Agriculture, Bawal, in Haryana’s Rewari district.
4. Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini chaired the event.
5. Minister Chouhan advocated for sustainable agriculture, balanced fertiliser use, and conservation of natural resources.
6. He announced that ‘Khet Bachao’ will now become a mission.
7. He emphasized natural farming and water conservation as the way of the future.
8. He highlighted that farming will change with technology, where mobile phones will indicate the needs of the soil.
9. He stated that prosperous farmers are the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Prelims pointers

• ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ is a campaign promoting sustainable agriculture and resource conservation.
• The Haryana Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Mission was launched in Haryana.
• Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development is Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• Key themes advocated include balanced fertiliser use, natural farming, water conservation, and technology in agriculture.
• The event took place in Bawal, Rewari district, Haryana.

Mains practice question

Discuss the multi-faceted approach adopted by the government, encompassing sustainable agriculture, FPOs, and technological integration, to achieve farmer prosperity and contribute to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

Static linkage

The news links to broader government initiatives for agricultural development, farmer welfare, and sustainable practices. It connects to the promotion of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) as a means of empowering farmers and the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' through a prosperous agricultural sector. The emphasis on natural farming and water conservation aligns with national goals for environmental sustainability in agriculture.

Significance

The event underscores the government's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, promoting balanced fertiliser use, and conserving natural resources, which are crucial for long-term food security and environmental health. The launch of the Haryana FPO Mission aims to strengthen farmer collectives, enhancing their bargaining power and access to markets and technology. The integration of technology in farming, as highlighted by the Minister, is vital for modernizing agriculture and improving efficiency. These initiatives collectively contribute to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by ensuring the prosperity of farmers and the resilience of the agricultural sector.

Way forward

The Union Minister's appeals for natural farming, water conservation, and the adoption of technology in agriculture indicate a future direction focused on ecological sustainability and modernization. The transformation of 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' into a mission suggests a sustained effort towards these goals, aiming to create a model for farming that prioritizes soil health and resource efficiency.