New Delhi / Almora, :
Under the leadership of Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, preparations for the nationwide ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ have entered their final phase. The campaign is set to launch on May 29 from the sacred land of Puri, Odisha, and will continue until June 12, aiming to directly connect with 1.5 crore farmers across the country.
In a high-impact orientation programme organized at Subrahmanyam Hall, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Minister Chouhan addressed agricultural scientists from across India. The event witnessed participation from over 113 ICAR institutes, 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and central and state agricultural departments, both physically and virtually.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan passionately declared, “I have not become Agriculture Minister for power or position, but to serve farmers, enhance productivity, reduce input costs, ensure food security, and protect future agricultural interests. Every breath I take is devoted to farming; every fiber of my being is connected to our farmers.”
He emphasized the role of balanced fertilizer use, region-specific research, and quality seeds in boosting agricultural output. “Farming is a subject of the heart and emotion. A good or bad harvest deeply impacts farmers’ lives,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of research, the Minister assured that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, there will be no dearth of funding for agricultural innovation. “This campaign is a results-oriented initiative. We aim to witness tangible outcomes in productivity and cost reduction in the upcoming Kharif season,” he stated.
Minister Chouhan also motivated Indian scientists to showcase their research excellence globally, asserting, “Our institutions possess the strength to earn worldwide recognition.” He applauded the dedication of the scientific community and stated that post-campaign, the nation will express gratitude for their pivotal role.
The nationwide ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a first-of-its-kind initiative post-independence, aiming to establish a direct connection with farmers on an unprecedented scale. The campaign will span over 700 districts and involve departments such as agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. Teams of scientists, experts, and innovative farmers will conduct outreach at the village level.
The live telecast of the orientation event was also viewed at the ICAR–Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (ICAR-VPKAS) in Almora and Hawalbagh, where Director Dr. Lakshmi Kant, along with scientists and officials, participated. Dr. Amit Pandey, Director of ICAR-CIFRI, Bhimtal, also joined the session.
With the government’s determined push, the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ promises to mark a turning point in India’s agricultural outreach—bringing research to the grassroots and empowering farmers with knowledge and innovations for a prosperous future.
