Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is leading the nation-wide ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) from 29 May to 12 June, 2025 with the major objective to build close interaction between farmers and scientist of ICAR and SAUs for quick promotion of innovative agricultural technologies for kharif season. The VKSA campaign is not just a mobilization drive, it is a visionary step towards transforming Indian agriculture. By focusing on innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, the campaign aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This campaign primarily aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and grassroots agriculture by reaching over 1.5 crore farmers in close association with ICAR institutes including ICAR-CRIJAF. In this direction, ICAR-CRIJAF is leading the campaign in the districts of North 24 Parganas, Coochbehar, Purba Burdwan and Bankura in collaboration with West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata, KVK (North 24 Pgs. – additional), KVK Ashoknagar (North 24-Pgs); KVK, Burdwan; KVK, Coochbehar; KVK Sonamukhi (under CADC), Bankura.
The institute has formed 17 teams comprising of scientists from ICAR-CRIJAF, other ICAR institutes of West Bengal, KVK personnel, progressive farmers which has conducted more than 450 meetings with farmers for intensive campaign on modern farm technologies, soil health, natural farming, new HY crop varieties and crop diversification, national schemes for farmers, digital agriculture, use of drone, farm mechanization etc.
Location-specific technologies were emphasized and advocated by the team of scientists to solve the problems of low productivity, proper sustainable nutrient management, pest management, organic farming, skill enhancement of farm women for overall increase in profitability and enhancing the livelihood security of farmers. Precision farming technologies, composting, water management were specifically emphasized while interacting with the farmers for sustainable use of natural resources as well as reducing the cost of cultivation.
ICAR-CRIJAF has put great efforts in this mega-technology-outreach campaign, team visits, village coverage, and farmer mobilization. The institute has successfully engaged 153931 farmers across 1157 villages, demonstrating an exemplary model of community-led participation under the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
As part of this campaign, ICAR-CRIJAF rolled out VKSA Rath as the tableau symbolizing the visuals for adoption of modern agricultural technology through creation of awareness among the stakeholders. The VKSA-RATH exhibits the new technologies, innovative Govt. schemes in a very innovative way to impressively reach to the farmers. While rolling out the rath from the campus of the institute, Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF highlighted the activities taken up by the institutes under the VKSA in different districts of West Bengal.
In this direction, Dr. Kar led the campaign in Gobardanga, Hingalganj, Sandeshkahli (North 42 Pgs), Budbud (Purba Burdwan), and Sonamukhi (Bankura) during which he highlighted the technologies developed by ICAR-CRIJAF for the profitable farming of jute and other new age fibres. He also appealed the farmers to use new technologies to reduce the water and carbon foot print in agriculture by proper input management.
He emphasized on promoting natural farming in horticultural crops, encouraging technological innovation, and advancing water conservation efforts to enhance the profitability and long-term sustainability of agriculture.
