Government to Advance the Success of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has praised the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a transformative initiative that has made significant strides in modernizing Indian agriculture. He highlighted that this campaign is not merely a one-off event but the start of a long-term movement aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods through direct engagement. Over 2,170 teams, including scientists and agricultural experts, have visited more than 1.42 lakh villages, interacting with over 1.34 crore farmers, with participation from various government officials and grassroots representatives.
Immediate Measures for Agricultural Development
During a recent media briefing, Minister Chouhan outlined several immediate actions to bolster agricultural development and improve farmer welfare. He emphasized the importance of addressing gaps in knowledge and institutional capacities to deliver real benefits to farmers. To facilitate this, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will be designated as nodal agencies in each district, forming coordinated teams focused on farmers’ needs. KVK scientists will now be required to spend at least three days a week in the field to ensure direct engagement with farming communities. Chouhan also committed to visiting farms himself twice a week to connect with farmers and understand their challenges firsthand.
Enhancing Coordination and Addressing Challenges
Chouhan stressed that understanding agricultural challenges requires field engagement rather than office-based assessments. He called for improved coordination among institutions dedicated to advancing agriculture and farmer welfare. To streamline efforts, a centralized coordination mechanism will be established to align the activities of key stakeholders. Additionally, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will appoint state-wise Nodal Officers for agriculture to oversee scientific trials and address region-specific challenges. Regular consultations with state governments will be held to ensure that strategies are aligned and solutions are tailored to local needs.
Addressing Quality Concerns and Future Plans
The Minister raised concerns about the quality of seeds and pesticides, promising to strengthen the Seed Act and implement stringent quality control measures. He emphasized the campaign’s goal of bridging the gap between research and agricultural practice, focusing on increasing productivity and reducing input costs to make farming a sustainable livelihood. Chouhan announced plans to relaunch the campaign during the Rabi season and implement targeted follow-up actions, including a dedicated Action Plan for Soybean. A national-level meeting is scheduled to review the campaign’s outcomes and discuss future research priorities.
Inclusive Outreach and Farmer Engagement
The campaign has prioritized inclusive outreach, particularly in underserved regions. In 177 tribal districts, over 8,000 programs reached approximately 18 lakh farmers, while teams visited 6,800 villages in 112 aspirational districts, engaging with 15 lakh farmers. The Kisan Chaupals facilitated direct dialogues between scientists and farmers, leading to valuable insights about localized research needs and the innovative practices of farmers. Several policy-related concerns were raised by farmers, including the need for an integrated climate change action plan and simplifying organic farming certification. Chouhan emphasized that farmer-driven policymaking and demand-driven research will be crucial for future agricultural policies, asserting that the farmer’s voice should guide the path forward.
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