Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Transforming Indian Agriculture
Introduction
On May 29, 2025, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ (VKSA) at the Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) in Bhubaneswar. This nationwide initiative aims to revolutionize Indian agriculture by bridging the gap between scientific research and practical farming through direct engagement with farmers.
Objectives of the Campaign
The VKSA seeks to:
- Empower Farmers: Provide farmers with knowledge and tools to enhance productivity and sustainability.
- Promote Scientific Farming: Encourage the adoption of research-based farming techniques.
- Enhance Income: Implement practices that lead to increased agricultural income.
- Strengthen Food Security: Contribute to making India a global food basket.
Campaign Structure
Running from May 29 to June 12, 2025, the VKSA involves:
- Nationwide Coverage: Engaging with farmers across over 700 districts.
- Team Deployment: 2,170 teams comprising 16,000 scientists and officials.
- Village Visits: Each team visits two villages daily, conducting three interactive sessions.
- Farmer Interaction: Direct communication with approximately 1.5 crore farmers.
Key Features
- Localized Guidance: Advice tailored to regional soil, climate, and water conditions.
- Focus Areas: Crop selection, seed varieties, fertilizer usage, and natural farming practices.
- Feedback Mechanism: Collecting farmer inputs to inform future agricultural research and policies.
- Fisheries Integration: Incorporating aquaculture into the agricultural framework.
Government Support
Union Minister Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to agriculture:
- Financial Assistance: Interest subsidies on agricultural loans through Kisan Credit Cards.
- Insurance Schemes: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop insurance.
- Irrigation Initiatives: Plans for irrigating 15 lakh hectares of agricultural land in Odisha.
Significance of the Campaign
The VKSA is a significant step towards:
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
- Farmer Welfare: Improving livelihoods through enhanced agricultural practices.
- National Development: Aligning with the vision of a developed India by strengthening the agricultural sector.
Why This News is Important
Relevance to Competitive Exams
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ is a pivotal development in India’s agricultural landscape, making it a crucial topic for aspirants of various government examinations, including UPSC, PSCs, banking, and railways. Understanding this initiative provides insights into government policies, schemes, and their implementation at the grassroots level.
Implications for Agriculture
This campaign signifies a paradigm shift towards integrating scientific research with traditional farming practices, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability. It reflects the government’s commitment to addressing challenges in the agricultural sector through innovation and direct farmer engagement.
Alignment with Government Policies
The VKSA aligns with the ‘Lab to Land’ initiative, emphasizing the dissemination of research findings to farmers. It also supports the objectives of the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and other related schemes, showcasing a coordinated approach to agricultural development.
Historical Context
Evolution of Agricultural Policies
India’s agricultural policies have evolved over the decades, from the Green Revolution in the 1960s to the current focus on sustainable and climate-resilient farming. The VKSA represents the latest phase in this evolution, aiming to modernize agriculture through scientific intervention and farmer participation.
Previous Initiatives
Earlier programs like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Health Management laid the groundwork for initiatives like the VKSA. These programs focused on improving soil health, promoting organic farming, and enhancing water-use efficiency, which are integral components of the current campaign.
Integration of Fisheries
The inclusion of fisheries in the VKSA highlights the government’s recognition of aquaculture as a vital component of rural livelihoods and food security. This integrated approach aims to provide holistic solutions to farmers, encompassing both crop and fish production.
Key Takeaways from ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’
| S.No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | The campaign aims to engage 1.5 crore farmers across over 700 districts. |
| 2. | 2,170 teams comprising 16,000 scientists and officials are deployed nationwide. |
| 3. | Focus areas include crop selection, seed varieties, fertilizer usage, and natural farming practices. |
| 4. | The campaign runs from May 29 to June 12, 2025. |
| 5. | Government support includes interest subsidies on agricultural loans and crop insurance schemes. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA)?
VKSA is a nationwide campaign launched to promote scientific farming by connecting agricultural research directly with farmers to increase productivity and sustainability.
2. When was the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan launched?
The campaign was launched on May 29, 2025, at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar.
3. How many farmers are expected to be engaged in the VKSA?
Approximately 1.5 crore farmers across over 700 districts are expected to be engaged.
4. What are the main focus areas of the campaign?
The campaign focuses on crop selection, improved seed varieties, fertilizer usage, natural farming, and integrating fisheries into farming practices.
5. What kind of government support is provided to farmers under this campaign?
Support includes interest subsidies on agricultural loans via Kisan Credit Cards, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance), and irrigation initiatives.
6. How long will the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan run?
The campaign is scheduled to run from May 29 to June 12, 2025.
7. What role do scientists and officials play in VKSA?
Over 2,170 teams with 16,000 scientists and officials visit villages, conduct interactive sessions, and provide tailored farming advice.
8. Why is integrating fisheries into agriculture important in VKSA?
Inclusion of fisheries recognizes the importance of aquaculture for rural livelihoods and food security, promoting a holistic approach to farming.
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