Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward transforming the agricultural and fisheries sectors, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today launched the Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Freshwater Fisheries (ICAR-CIFA), Kausalya Ganga, Bhubaneswar.
This landmark initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on making cutting-edge scientific technologies in agriculture and fisheries more accessible to farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan described VKSA-2025 as a groundbreaking campaign aimed at reaching over 1.5 crore farmers across India. He emphasized that the initiative is not only about disseminating technical knowledge and building capacity but also about fostering direct connections between farmers and innovations.
Chouhan underscored the importance of fisheries in ensuring India’s food security and stressed the need for effective technology transfer from institutions like ICAR-CIFA to farmers to boost their income and strengthen the fisheries sector.
The launch event was attended by several key figures, including Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Gokulananda Malik, Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, and Pipli MLA Ashrit Patnaik. Additionally, prominent ICAR officials, including Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General & Secretary of DARE, Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries), and Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), were present at the event.
Dr. M.L. Jat, hailing the campaign as a transformational pre-kharif initiative, remarked that VKSA-2025 is a powerful tool to connect scientific research with the practical needs of farmers, helping them adopt sustainable practices and innovations. Over 600 farmers and women from self-help groups participated in the event, engaging with scientists and learning about advanced agricultural and fisheries technologies, as well as integrated farming systems.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of CIFA Argu VAX-I, an innovative fish vaccine developed by ICAR-CIFA. This vaccine is set to play a vital role in minimizing economic losses for fish farmers by preventing parasitic infections in fish. The launch marks a significant development in the fisheries sector, promising improved productivity and sustainability.
An exhibition showcasing products and innovations by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA was also held, emphasizing the role of community participation and grassroots innovation in driving agricultural development.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, participants, and contributors for making the campaign launch a historic and impactful event.
The VKSA-2025 campaign will run nationwide from May 29 to June 12, 2025, aiming to create an inclusive, empowered, and future-ready agricultural system in India.
