Bhubaneswar: The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a transformative nationwide campaign aimed at revolutionizing Indian agriculture, was launched today at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Sakhigopal in Puri.
The event saw Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan engaging directly with farmers from across Odisha, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering via video conferencing.
The campaign, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is set to run for the next 15 days, focusing on empowering farmers with cutting-edge technology, scientific knowledge, and climate-resilient farming practices.
PM Modi Highlights Campaign’s Vision
In his address, Prime Minister Modi described the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a pivotal step toward modernizing agriculture and uplifting farmers. With the Kharif season approaching, he emphasized the campaign’s goal of connecting 2,000 teams—comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers—with farmers across over 700 districts. These teams will reach lakhs of farmers in rural areas over the next 12-15 days, delivering knowledge and resources to enhance productivity and sustainability.
“This campaign will pave a new path for the progress of farmers leading the modernization of agriculture,” Modi said, extending his best wishes to farmers and campaign participants. He underscored the need to accelerate the dissemination of scientific research and successful farming methods to the broader farming community, leveraging technology and innovation to strengthen India’s agriculture sector.
CM Majhi Calls for a Mass Movement
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the campaign as a visionary initiative with the potential to transform Indian agriculture. “Through this campaign, the right technology and know-how will be delivered directly to farmers by scientists, paving the way for prosperous, self-reliant farmers and a self-sufficient future,” he said. He highlighted the remarkable progress made by Odisha’s farmers in overcoming challenges and contributing to food security and rural development.
Majhi also pointed to key events in Odisha, including the Kisan Padyatra at Birgobindpur, the Farmer Women Summit at the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA), and the State Mango Festival at the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), as indicators of a “new dawn” in the state’s agriculture sector. He urged institutions like the Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to lead this transformation through cutting-edge research, knowledge creation, and capacity building. The campaign, he said, will double farmers’ incomes, promote climate-resilient and diversified agriculture, and empower women entrepreneurs in the sector.
“This is not just a government campaign; it is a movement of every farmer, scientist, and citizen,” Majhi declared, calling for widespread participation to build a self-reliant rural economy.
Chouhan Outlines Two-Way Communication
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the campaign’s unique approach, describing it as a “two-way communication” initiative. “Scientists will share research and technical information with farmers while also collecting insights on the challenges they face,” he said. A team of 16,000 scientists from ICAR and Krishi Vigyan Kendras will visit villages nationwide, with each team covering two villages daily over the 15-day campaign period.
Chouhan highlighted that the campaign will provide tailored guidance on crop selection, seed types, and fertilizer use, taking into account regional factors such as climate, water availability, and soil fertility. “This campaign will create a new era in the progress of agriculture in Odisha and across India,” he said, underscoring its potential to bridge the gap between laboratory research and on-ground farming practices.
Deputy CM KV Singh Deo Stresses Agricultural Development
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Empowerment Shri KV Singh Deo emphasized the campaign’s significance in the context of a developed India. “Indian agriculture is the soul of every village. This campaign will bring about a paradigm shift in Odisha’s agricultural sector in the near future,” he said, expressing confidence in its transformative impact.
The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shubham Saxena, Director of the Agriculture Department. Notable attendees included MLA Babu Singh (Ekamra), Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Debesh Chaturvedi, OUAT Vice Chancellor Professor Pratava Kumar Rawal, Deputy Director General Rajbir Singh, and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR.
Campaign Goals and Expected Impact
By connecting “Lab to Land,” the campaign seeks to create a sustainable, technology-driven agricultural ecosystem that addresses local challenges and leverages regional strengths.
