Icar-Sugarcane Breeding Institute Holds an Orientation Session for the 'Viksit Agricultural Determination Campaign' (VKSA)
**Transforming Agriculture: India Launches Nationwide 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSA)**
Preparing for a revolution in the agricultural sector, India has launched a nationwide campaign titled 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSA - Mission for Developed Agriculture), which will run from 29th May to 12th June 2025. The initiative, aimed at empowering farmers through education and modern agricultural practices, will span all states and union territories of the country.
The VKSA campaign seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical farming by introducing farmers to cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. The primary objective is to educate and empower farmers with up-to-date agricultural knowledge, focusing on high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties, integrated nutrient management, and sustainable farming techniques.
Dr. D. Puthira Prathap, Dr. P. Govindaraj, and other distinguished scientists recently outlined the campaign's objectives and strategy at an orientation workshop organised by the ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), Coimbatore. The campaign aims to increase agricultural production, reduce input costs, ensure fair pricing for produce, and prevent post-harvest losses.
To achieve these goals, the campaign employs a 'Lab-to-Land' approach, promoting the practical application of agricultural advancements at the grassroots level. Nearly 2,000 expert teams, comprising agricultural scientists, state officials, ICAR experts, and progressive farmers, conduct training sessions and interactive meetings with farmer groups across 700 districts.
The campaign also educates farmers on digital tools, government schemes like PM-KISAN and PMFBY, and other support mechanisms. Farmers will be sensitized to the importance of these schemes and agricultural development policies. In addition, the campaign will address farmers' needs through direct engagement via Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), which serve as nodal agencies in every district.
To ensure a successful implementation of the VKSA campaign, ICAR-SBI scientists are being deputed to 16 districts of Tamil Nadu and one district in Puducherry to actively participate in the initiative. The campaign will also involve the active participation of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, led by Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and various state governments, with Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, State Ministers, MPs, and MLAs participating in the campaign.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. C. Palaniswami. The ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), Coimbatore, is spearheading this transformation, preparing farmers for the upcoming Kharif cropping season with the support of 113 ICAR research institutes, 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and various state departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
Under the overarching theme 'Lab-to-Land', VKSA seeks to empower every Indian farmer through cutting-edge innovations, scientific farming methods, and timely support systems. The campaign is set to revolutionize agriculture in India, ensuring food security, economic growth, and improved livelihoods for millions of farmers across the country.
During the VKSA campaign, farmers will be educated on contemporary agricultural knowledge, focusing on advanced technologies and sustainable practices to increase production and ensure food security. Additionally, the VKSA initiative equips farmers with digital tools, government schemes, and agricultural development policies, aiming to empower them and support their livelihoods.
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