PREVENTION OF SOIL DEGRADATION

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare outlined multiple initiatives to curb soil degradation. Under the Soil Health & Fertility Scheme (since 2014‑15), 26.09 crore Soil Health Cards have been issued, guiding balanced fertilizer use. The National Mission on Natural Farming (approved 25 Nov 2024) has registered 23.13 lakh farmers and covered 11.44 lakh ha, while Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is promoted through 48 Central IPM Centres and farmer trainings. The Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Kharif 2026) reached 1.36 crore farmers via 2.94 lakh programmes. Organic farming schemes (PKVY and MOVCDNER) have brought 21.29 lakh ha under organic cultivation, benefitting over 36 lakh farmers. Additionally, consumption of Fermented Organic Manure rose to 11.86 LMT in the current Kharif season.