From seaweed farming to smarter crop techniques, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is taking science straight to the soil — and the sea. In a major push to uplift rural and coastal livelihoods, ICAR is rolling out its ‘lab to land’ initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), aiming to transform agriculture and allied sectors across India

From seaweed farming to smarter crop techniques, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is taking science straight to the soil — and the sea. In a major push to uplift rural and coastal livelihoods, ICAR is rolling out its ‘lab to land’ initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), aiming to transform agriculture and allied sectors across India.

At a special session held at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, ICAR’s Deputy Director General (Animal Science), underscored the initiative’s bold vision: boost productivity, raise farmers’ income, and build rural resilience.

“We expect a substantial rise in output across crops, animal husbandry, and fisheries,” said Dr Bhatta, who also serves as VKSA Coordinator for Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep. “Scientists are now working hand-in-hand with farmers across 700 districts, offering real-time, on-site solutions.”

The VKSA campaign connects 113 ICAR institutes and 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) with farming communities nationwide. According to Dr Bhatta, it’s a historic effort to fuse cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge, paving the way for better yields, smarter resource use, and more sustainable livelihoods.

At CMFRI, researchers are using the campaign as a platform to promote technologies in cage fish farming, marine ornamental breeding, and seaweed cultivation—emerging sectors that are rapidly gaining traction in coastal India.

Dr Bhatta noted that these innovations are expected to enhance food security, drive livelihood generation, and unlock new income streams, particularly for marginalised communities.

In a gesture of support for local fishers, 80 Scheduled Tribe farmers received essential fishing gear, including cast nets, life jackets, headlights, and tarpaulins—highlighting the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

The session was presided over by CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George, with senior ICAR officials including Dr Venkatasubramanian (Director, ICAR-ATARI Bangalore) and Dr George Ninan (Director, ICAR-CIFT) in attendance. CMFRI Principal Scientists Dr Madhu K and Dr Saju George also addressed the gathering, stressing the need to bring marine innovation closer to the people who need it most.

As India navigates the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource scarcity, initiatives like VKSA offer a hopeful path forward — one where science, sustainability, and community empowerment go hand in hand.