Punjab's Fields Under Stress: PAU's Khet Bachao Abhiyan Reaches 6,500 Farmers

Punjab Agricultural University's (PAU) month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan has reached more than 6,500 farmers and other stakeholders across Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district, aiming to address the growing challenge of declining soil health in the state. Organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Langroya, the campaign focused on promoting sustainable farming practices and encouraging balanced fertiliser use. Scientists say that while Punjab played a pivotal role in ensuring India's food security during the Green Revolution, decades of intensive farming have left many agricultural fields under increasing stress.

Agricultural experts have warned that continuous wheat-paddy cultivation, excessive dependence on chemical fertilisers, declining organic matter and rising cultivation costs are gradually reducing soil fertility across large parts of Punjab. According to scientists, the issue is less visible than droughts or pest attacks but could have serious long-term consequences for agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods. They emphasise that the priority is no longer just increasing crop production but protecting the health and productivity of agricultural land for future generations.

The Khet Bachao Abhiyan was designed to spread awareness among farmers, rural women, village leaders, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), input dealers and other stakeholders. Throughout June, teams from KVK Langroya visited villages to educate farming communities about sustainable agricultural practices. The campaign highlighted the importance of adopting scientific methods to improve soil health while reducing unnecessary cultivation expenses through better resource management.

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According to experts, many farmers continue to believe that applying larger quantities of fertilisers automatically results in higher crop yields. However, agricultural scientists explained that excessive and imbalanced fertiliser use can damage soil structure, reduce beneficial microbial activity and increase production costs without delivering proportional benefits. They stressed that fertilisers should be applied based on soil testing and the specific nutrient requirements of crops rather than traditional practices or assumptions.

Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Associate Director (Training) at Punjab Agricultural University, said protecting soil fertility is directly linked to the economic sustainability of Punjab's farming community. He noted that the campaign aims to revive fields affected by years of intensive chemical use by providing farmers with practical, affordable and scientifically backed solutions. Officials also encouraged farmers to improve soil organic matter through green manuring and adopt environmentally friendly cultivation methods alongside balanced fertiliser application.

Agricultural scientists believe sustained awareness campaigns such as Khet Bachao Abhiyan will play an important role in restoring soil health and promoting sustainable farming across Punjab. By encouraging regular soil testing, balanced nutrient management and eco-friendly agricultural practices, the initiative seeks to improve long-term productivity while reducing input costs. Experts say protecting the state's agricultural resources is essential to ensuring food security and preserving Punjab's position as one of India's leading farming regions.

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