‘VKSA’ campaign concludes in Nagaland

The pre-kharif campaign, “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”, which commenced on May 29, 2025, concluded successfully on June 12 across Nagaland by organising various programmes like brainstorming session on “Development of Livestock Sector in Nagaland”, anti-rabies vaccination drive and other activities.
Brainstorming session on livestock development at ICAR-NRCM Medziphema: The ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM), Medziphema, Nagaland, hosted the closing ceremony of the 15-day national campaign Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025 along with a brainstorming session on “Development of Livestock Sector in Nagaland” on June 12.
Chief guest Animal Husbandry Commissioner (AHC), DAHD, Government of India, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, emphasized strengthening linkages between the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra to maximize farmer benefits. He noted that Nagaland has rich resources but faces small yet critical challenges that require proactive measures. Dr. Mitra urged the state to establish at least 150 women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and take decisive steps in meat, milk, and egg production. He also recommended opening Mithun farms to visitors to enhance awareness and showcase Nagaland’s livestock achievements.
Guest of honour Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Nagaland, Vikeyie Kenya, underlined the socio-economic and cultural significance of livestock for Nagaland’s 17 tribes. While the state boasts indigenous breeds such as Thudo Cattle, Sumi Ne Goat, Tenyi Vo Pig, and Mithun, outdated farming methods and limited infrastructure have hindered sector growth. He pointed to challenges such as low-yield indigenous breeds, lack of cold storage, and disease outbreaks like African Swine Fever. Kenya advocated for scientific breeding programs and flexible policies suited for hilly regions. He emphasized that modernizing small-scale piggery and poultry farming could provide new opportunities, especially for rural women.
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthung, stressed Nagaland’s commitment to Viksit Nagaland 2047, urging stakeholders to collaborate and bring pragmatic, scalable, farmer-centric ideas. He highlighted that 67.20% of beneficiaries under CMMFI have opted for livestock, with piggery accounting for 59.3%.
Director of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. Girish Patil, pointed to alarming declines in livestock populations revealed by the 20th Livestock Census. While meat demand remains high, milk consumption lags, making revitalization essential. He noted that strengthening livestock productivity would ensure food security, affordability, and job creation while promoting sustainable agriculture.
Head of ICAR RC for NEH Nagaland Centre, Dr. H. Kalita, described Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a nationwide movement launched on May 29, aligning agriculture with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. He lauded Nagaland’s commitment, revealing that in just two weeks, 1,110 villages and 1,10,861 farmers were engaged through grassroots campaigns led by ICAR, KVKs, and state agricultural officials. Special guest HMLA cum advisor, Hydro Department, Arunachal Pradesh, Ninong Ering, also addressed the gathering. Head of KVK Dimapur, Dr. Phool Kumari, delivered the vote of thanks.
(Correspondent)
ICAR-KVK Dimapur anti-rabies vaccination
The pre-kharif campaign, “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan”, concluded on June 12, with an anti-rabies vaccination drive at Pishikhu Village, Niuland district. Organized by ICAR-KVK Dimapur in collaboration with agricultural and allied departments, the campaign covered 144 villages in Chumoukedima, Dimapur, and Niuland districts, benefiting approximately 14,698 farmers.
During the launch, Member of Parliament S. Supongmeren Jamir emphasized strategies for enhancing farmers’ incomes through advanced agricultural technologies, G.I certification, and improved post-harvest management, including cold chain infrastructure.
Throughout the campaign, experts discussed scientific pig and mithun rearing, artificial insemination, pet and farm animal vaccination, deworming, biosecurity, fishery pond maintenance, and sustainable agriculture techniques. Farmers were informed about training programs available at KVK Dimapur and ICAR Nagaland Centre, covering value addition, mushroom cultivation, vermicomposting, and artificial insemination in pigs. An outreach effort extended the campaign to remote areas where farmers had little awareness of ICAR and KVK services.
As part of the campaign, agricultural inputs such as translated leaflets, paddy seeds, biopesticides, and planting materials—including Assam Lemon and Khasi Mandarin—were distributed. Plantation drives were also conducted to promote sustainability. The final day featured anti-rabies vaccination drive, vaccinating around 45 dogs in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Niuland.
Dr. H. Kalita, Head of ICAR Nagaland Centre, and Dr. Phool Kumari, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Dimapur, spearheaded the campaign. The success of the initiative was attributed to the cooperation of scientists, agricultural officials, university professors, and representatives from various departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Services, Fisheries, Soil and Water Conservation, and NSRLM.