‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ Launched at OUAT, Bhubaneswar
Farmers in India are being recognized not just as providers of food but as vital contributors to the nation’s economy, according to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. During the launch of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, he emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a profitable venture. The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce costs for farmers, with the ultimate goal of positioning India as the world’s food bank under Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s leadership.
Launch of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ was officially launched at the OUAT campus in Bhubaneswar, with prominent figures including Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo in attendance. This initiative is designed to foster positive changes in the agricultural sector across India. Union Minister Chouhan noted that agricultural scientists and government officials will engage with farmers at over 2,170 locations nationwide. This extensive outreach aims to provide farmers with the necessary support and guidance to improve their agricultural practices.
Chouhan expressed hope that the blessings of Lord Jagannath would lead to prosperity in the agriculture sector. He reiterated that farmers are not only the nation’s food providers but also play a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods. The minister highlighted the record production of food grains in India, including paddy, wheat, and maize, and stressed the importance of enabling farmers to feed the country’s vast population while also exporting surplus produce globally.
Government Initiatives to Support Farmers
To support farmers, the central government is implementing various measures aimed at increasing production and lowering operational costs. One significant initiative is the provision of an interest subsidy of up to 4% on agricultural loans through Kisan Credit Cards. With additional support from state governments, this subsidy could potentially reach zero percent. Chouhan emphasized the importance of irrigation in agriculture, commending the Odisha government’s plan to irrigate 15 lakh hectares of farmland.
Moreover, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has been introduced to offer compensation for crops affected by climate change. Chouhan praised the quality of agricultural products from Odisha, including paddy, mangoes, organic rice, and turmeric, highlighting the state’s contributions to India’s agricultural landscape.
Connecting Farmers with Agricultural Scientists
Chouhan urged farmers to actively participate in the campaign aimed at agricultural development. He announced a new initiative to connect farmers with agricultural scientists, stating that over 16,000 scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are prepared to engage with farmers. This collaboration is expected to enhance agricultural productivity by providing tailored advice based on local conditions.
The campaign will involve scientists visiting villages to understand farmers’ challenges and offer solutions. By fostering this connection, the government aims to accelerate crop production and improve the overall agricultural landscape in India.
Chief Minister’s Support for the Initiative
During the event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed pride in the launch of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ in Odisha. He extended his best wishes for the campaign’s success, recognizing its potential to transform the agricultural sector in the state and beyond. The initiative reflects a collective effort to enhance the livelihoods of farmers and ensure food security for the nation.
In addition to the campaign launch, Union Minister Chouhan also inaugurated a mango exhibition at the Central Horticulture Experiment Station in Bhubaneswar, showcasing the region’s agricultural diversity and potential.
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