Despite the challenges of the monsoon season, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a nationwide agricultural initiative, was launched in Nagaland on May 29. The campaign aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and aims to support farmers with improved agricultural techniques and direct interactions with experts.
The campaign is spearheaded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in partnership with 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 113 ICAR institutes, 63 State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), 3 Central Agricultural Universities (CAUs), and state governments. The campaign aims to reach 1.5 crore farmers across 700 districts by June 12, 2025.
In Nagaland, the campaign began with flag-off ceremonies of Krishi Rath-Special Vans in every district, attended by public officials and local representatives. A total of 36 expert teams, including scientists, university researchers, KVK specialists, and government officials, will be visiting three villages daily to interact with farmers. These teams have already covered 324 villages, reaching over 30,000 farmers, including 13,947 women and 16,065 men. They are also documenting farmers’ challenges, technology gaps, and priorities to shape future policies.
The VKSA campaign introduces farmers to various agricultural advancements, such as:
- Artificial Insemination (AI), Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), Backyard Poultry & Scientific Pig Farming, Acid Soil Management & Terrace Rice Cultivation, Banana & Spices Processing Technologies, Fall Armyworm Management in Maize, Mushroom & Cut Flower Production, Rainwater Harvesting (Jalkund), Seed & Millet Production and African Swine Fever Awareness & Citrus Decline Solutions.
This initiative follows a bottom-up approach, allowing farmers to share local insights that will influence research and government policies.
VKSA report in Peren
Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) campaign continued its third day in Peren district on May 31, covering nine villages across Athibung, Jalukie, Peren, and Tening blocks. Teams comprising officers from KVK Peren, ICAR Nagaland Centre, CAU Jalukie, and State Agriculture & Allied Departments led the initiative, aiming to educate farmers on new agricultural schemes, advanced technologies, and improved crop cultivation methods for sustainable farming and food security.
Farmers actively engaged in discussions, sharing experiences and feedback regarding challenges in kharif farming. In Athibung block, the campaign took place in Old Chalkot, New Chalkot, and Saijang villages, under the leadership of Agriculture Officer Neivah Hangsing and Dr. Prashant Kalal, SMS, KVK Peren. The programme brought together 169 farmers, where topics on as pig and poultry diseases, crop insurance, FPO activities, and Rajamircha cultivation were taken up.
In Peren block, the initiative was conducted in Peletkie and Pelejiram villages, led by DAO Peren, Dr. Zaleigai Ndang, and ACTO KVK Peren, Dr. Patu K. Zeling. A total of 102 farmers actively participated in discussion to increase agricultural productivity and food security.
The campaign reached Nkialwa and Mbaulwa villages in Tening block, where 104 farmers interacted with officials regarding agricultural schemes, soil health management, crop protection in King chilli farming, and animal vaccination. The programme was spearheaded by SDAO Tening, Samsangheile Nchang, and Z. James Kikon.
In Jalukie block, VKSA was conducted in Samziuram and Jalukeiram villages, attended by 108 farmers. SDAO Jalukie, Mapeuheile Ndang, and Dr. Azeze Seyie, Scientist at ICAR-Nagaland Centre, led discussions on agricultural schemes, soil health card benefits, crop protection techniques for kharif season, and sustainable farming practices.
The campaign continues to promote knowledge-sharing, encourage innovative farming techniques, and address farmers’ concerns, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable agriculture and enhanced food security in the region.