Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, launched the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ today at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Sakshigopal, Puri.
The event was inaugurated by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who planted trees under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
According to an official press release, it is noteworthy that this campaign, set to continue for the next 15 days, aims to directly engage with approximately 1.5 crore farmers across the country to educate them about modern agricultural techniques and technologies.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, running from today until June 12, is a groundbreaking initiative by the Government of India to create awareness among farmers about modern technology and new seed varieties.
Through this campaign, the government will reach out to around 1.5 crore farmers across 700 districts in India, informing them about the application of new agricultural technologies.
At the district level, three teams will be formed, comprising scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and departmental officials, who will collectively educate rural farmers about agriculture, horticulture, and soil conservation.
Each team will visit two villages daily, meeting 250 farmers in each village to explain various Central and State Government farmer welfare schemes, discuss initiatives, and share practical aspects of new technologies.
Steps will be taken to ensure that research-based agricultural information reaches farmers effectively. Special emphasis will be placed on educating farmers about soil health testing, the use of soil health cards, fertilizer management, and climate-resilient agriculture, the Chief Minister added.
He further noted that the government is taking historic steps to provide better prices to paddy farmers and integrate them into the economic mainstream. This has been possible due to the government’s commitment to introducing new schemes for farmers’ welfare.
Union Minister Chouhan highlighted that Odisha has set an example for the entire country. Through the Samruddha Krushak Yojana, the government is procuring paddy from farmers at ₹3,100 per quintal, which is ₹800 more than the minimum support price (MSP). This is a significant step, as increasing farmers’ income contributes to the nation’s prosperity.
He also mentioned that schemes like Subhadra have benefited many women in the state, emphasizing that Odisha is becoming a global model in women’s empowerment and agricultural infrastructure development.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, stated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a unique platform to mechanically empower farmers. The campaign, starting from Odisha, will ensure its benefits reach the state’s farmers.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattnayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, and Vice-Chancellor of OUAT, Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Mangilal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, while Shubham Saxena, Director of the Agriculture Department, proposed the vote of thanks.
