The second-day program of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), the national campaign for Kharif crops, was successfully conducted at Aritar and Dalapchand villages, at their respective GPUs of Pakyong District, on May 30, 2025. This 12-day nationwide initiative, announced by the Hon'ble Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, aims at creating mass awareness among farmers of more than 700 districts of the country on sustainable farming practices, recent government schemes, and modern agricultural technologies, as part of the countrywide pre-kharif campaign.

The VKSA envisions transforming Indian agriculture by enhancing productivity, encouraging the adoption of innovative farming solutions, and making farmers active participants in the journey toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The programme was led by Dr. Prakash Sharma, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, along with a multidisciplinary team comprising Ms. Hissey Chedey Bhutia, Deputy Director, Horticulture (District coordinator of the Campaign); Dr. Nikhila Vaagdevi, Scientist, ICAR-NRCO; Mrs. Geeta Chettri, Deputy Director Agriculture; Mr. Passang Sherpa, Agriculture Development Officer; Ms. Kishori Devi Sharma, Horticulture Development Officer; Mr. Ashok Gurung, Agriculture Development Officer; Ms. Gauri Mukhia, Assistant Director, Fisheries; and Dr. Prerna Baraily, Deputy Director, AH&VS.

The program was graced by the respective Panchayats of Aritar and Dalapchand GPU as special guests.

The program at Aritar village was attended by 120 farmers; similarly, 100 farmers attended the program at Dalapchand.

The team collectively addressed the farmers on a wide range of topics, including sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices, horticultural diversification, integrated livestock and fishery systems, post-harvest management, and various centrally sponsored agricultural schemes such as PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card, Kisan Credit Card, and the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund.

They emphasized the importance of adopting scientific crop planning, digital platforms for market access, and the role of women and youth in rural enterprise development.

Two major key points were raised by the farmers: one on the disease management of large cardamom, and the other on soil health cards and nutrient dosing in an organic context.

The officials also reassured the farmers of continued support through collaborative programs, departmental schemes, field demonstrations, and training programs to ensure that farmers are equipped with the knowledge and resources required to improve productivity and income. The farmers responded with enthusiasm and interest.

******

Source: ICAR-KVK, Ranipool

MPS/TWB

(Release ID: 2132993) Visitor Counter : 11