The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, in
collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka,
successfully organized Khet Bachao Abhiyan and PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas on 20 June
2026 at its Hesaraghatta campus.

The programme aimed to promote sustainable
agricultural practices, strengthen farmer-scientist interactions, create awareness
on farmer-centric government initiatives, and commemorate the release of the 23rd
instalment of the PM-KISAN Scheme by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

The programme was graced by Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister
for Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Farmers and
officials from Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga and Kolar
districts of Karnataka, along with representatives from Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu,participated in the event

Officials from the Department of Agriculture, including Joint
Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and Agriculture Officers, as well as
representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs),
progressive farmers and other farmer groups, attended the programme.

The event commenced with Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare aimed at promoting soil-test-based nutrient
management, balanced fertilizer use, soil health improvement and sustainable agriculture.

Scientists of ICAR-IIHR and officials of the Department of Agriculture interacted with
farmers and emphasized the importance of scientific nutrient management, efficient
resource utilization, adoption of improved technologies and sustainable horticultural
practices for enhancing productivity, profitability and environmental sustainability.

Prior to the formal function, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy visited the Nursery Unit of ICARIIHR, interacted with scientists and viewed technology exhibits showcasing improved
crop varieties, hybrids and value-added horticultural products developed by the institute.

The formal programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a
welcome address by Prof. T. K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR. Progressive farmers
were felicitated and agricultural inputs were distributed to beneficiaries.
Participants joined the nationwide PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas through a live telecast from
Tarakeswar, Hooghly district, West Bengal, where Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN, transferring ₹18,880
crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 9.44 crore farmer families across the
country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Under the current instalment, more than
41.35 lakh farmers in Karnataka are expected to receive financial assistance amounting
to approximately ₹827.10 crore.

During the national programme, the Hon’ble Prime Minister highlighted several major
farmer-centric initiatives, including the Digital Agriculture Mission, Pradhan Mantri
Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National Mission on Natural Farming, and the Prime
Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.