“Khet Bachao Abhiyan” Launched on World Environment Day – Call for Promoting Soil Conservation, Natural Farming and Agricultural Innovations
Durg, June 5, 2026: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” was launched at the College of Horticulture and Research Centre, Sankara-Patan, under Mahatma Gandhi University of Horticulture and Forestry, Durg. The programme was held under the chief guestship of Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramvichar Netam, and Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Durg Lok Sabha Constituency, Shri Vijay Baghel. The event was attended by the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Vice-Chairperson of the Jila Panchayat, public representatives, senior officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, scientists, faculty members, students, and a large number of farmers.
The programme commenced with a tree plantation drive by the dignitaries, conveying a strong message of environmental conservation. This was followed by a visit to exhibitions showcasing agriculture, horticulture, natural farming, bio-fertilizers, and soil health technologies. Agricultural input materials were also distributed to farmers.
On this occasion, the Hon’ble Chief Guest released several important university publications and achievements, including the University Kulgeet, an AI-based Web Portal, a comprehensive compilation of academic, research, and extension activities of all nine faculties of the university related to horticulture and forestry, the University Vision-2047 Document, and “Flora News.” During the release ceremony, Hon’ble Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam appreciated the university’s contributions in education, research, innovation, and farmer welfare, stating that the university is emerging as a significant center for horticulture and forestry development in the state.
In his address, Shri Ramvichar Netam emphasized that healthy soil is the foundation of prosperous agriculture. He noted that the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers is adversely affecting soil fertility and highlighted the need to promote natural farming, the use of biological resources, and nutrient management based on soil testing. He called upon farmers to conserve soil health, utilize water resources efficiently, and adopt environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. He also praised the university’s innovations and technological initiatives, stating that these efforts would provide a new direction to the agricultural sector.
Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Vijay Baghel stated that environmental conservation and agricultural development are complementary to each other. He emphasized that the conservation of land, water, and biodiversity is essential for future food and nutritional security. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural and sustainable farming practices alongside scientific technologies and appreciated the university’s extension activities aimed at farmer welfare.
Presiding over the programme, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor remarked that the “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” is an important initiative to raise public awareness regarding soil, water, and environmental conservation. He informed the gathering that the university is continuously conducting research and extension activities in natural farming, bio-fertilizer production, integrated farming systems, climate-resilient agriculture, and horticulture- and forestry-based livelihood enhancement. He further stated that the Vision-2047 document presents a roadmap for taking agricultural, horticultural, and forestry education, research, and innovation in the state to new heights.
As part of the programme, technical lectures were organized for farmers on soil testing, bio-fertilizer enrichment, practical demonstrations of natural farming methods, and integrated pest and disease management in fruit and vegetable crops. Farmers and students actively participated in these sessions and gained valuable insights into modern agricultural technologies.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, Vice-Chairperson of the District Panchayat, public representatives, officials and staff of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, university deans, directors, scientists, faculty members, employees, students, and a large number of farmers.
The World Environment Day programme successfully enhanced awareness regarding soil conservation, natural farming, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovations, while effectively highlighting the university’s achievements and its vision for future development.
