Along with the rest of the country, the outreach campaign Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) was launched in Meghalaya today.
The launch spanned all seven districts of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, Jaintia Hills, and East, South and West Garo Hills.
The campaign aims to reach over 1.5 crore farmers across India through technology dissemination, capacity building, and grassroots engagement.
The nationwide campaign will run till June 12. During the campaign period, the ICAR-ATARI Zone VII through the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region (ICAR RC NEH), CAU and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) will conduct three daily awareness campaigns per district, focusing on Kharif crop innovations and key government schemes.
In East Khasi Hills, the campaign was launched from the KVK at 5th Mile, Upper Shillong by Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh in the presence of officials from the Agriculture, Horticulture, AH & Veterinary departments, ICAR ATARI 7, scientists from ICAR, CAU and other institutions along with farmers of the district.
In her speech, Lyngdoh encouraged farmers to participate wholeheartedly in the campaign and to take this opportunity to enhance their farming knowledge and skills by engaging in serious discussions and exchange of ideas with the Agriculture scientists who will be going to the numerous villages in all the 11 blocks of the district.
She suggested that the farmers aggregate their land holdings to project larger acreage in order to secure benefits from the various developmental schemes of the government. The minister stressed on the importance of a policy that will be in line with the local conditions of the state, given its unique agro-climatic conditions and terrain.
The farmers were urged to minimize use of inorganic fertilizers and chemicals and to explore ways and means along with the scientists, to grow crops in a natural manner by use of compost and other latest technology.
Lyngdoh also flagged off vehicles that will carry the team of scientists, field officials of different line departments and extension workers.
In Ri Bhoi district, the launch was marked by the flagging off of three ‘Krishi Rath’ vehicles by Dr. S. Ghatak, Director (Acting), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam that comprise of three teams to cover 1082 farmers covering nine villages.
In Eastern West Khasi Hills, the launch function was held at the KVK Nongshillong, West Khasi Hills attended by KHADC MDC Powell Sohkhlet.
Three official vehicles consisting of three teams that will tour nine villages to disseminate awareness and interaction with farmers were flagged off on the occasion. These campaign teams will cover 108 villages under West Khasi Hills and Eastern West Khasi Hills districts.
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, West Khasi Hills Vereena J. Lyngdoh outlined the schedule and goals of the campaign
In West Jaintia Hills, the launch was held at Wahiajer which was attended by Agriculture Director J. Lyngdoh.
The KVK in South Garo Hills held the launch function at Warima Training Centre, Chokpot attended by MLA Sengchim N. Sangma
Principal Scientist & Head Dr. Athokpam Haribhushan emphasised the campaign’s significance in enhancing agricultural resilience and technological access for farmers in the region.
Three scientific teams will cover nine villages across Chokpot Block under the campaign.
In West Garo Hills, the event was inaugurated by former MDC of Barengapara Kurosh M. Marak.
The teams of ICAR scientists, CAU faculty, line department officials, ATMA staff, and progressive farmers will cover 11 villages to reach 974 farmers in the district.
