As India strides toward its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan stands as a bold testament to that vision, opines ICAR-NRCG.

Launched on May 29, 2025, from Puri by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the campaign forms a key pillar of the Pre-Kharif program and will conclude on June 12. Designed to catalyze rural transformation, the Abhiyan is being powered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), whose scientists and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been mobilized across the country in an unprecedented outreach effort.

“VKSA is a premier program conducted by Government of India, in Amritkaal. From day one, our scientists have taken the message of transformation straight to the fields,” says Dr Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-NRCG. ”In less than two weeks, we have reached 286 villages across Maharashtra—partnering with KVKs in Narayangaon, Nashik, and Dhule—and connected directly with over 44,500 farmers. This is science in action: practical, strategic, and rooted in support. A similar program is on the anvil for the upcoming Rabi season, promising to extend the momentum and impact ,” he added.

In one remarkable instance, a team of three NRCG scientists addressed a gathering of 550 grape growers in Pimpalgaon Basvant, Nashik, on June 6. The engagement reflected NRCG’s deep-rooted connection with local growers and its commitment to crop-specific interventions.

Addressing further, Dr Sujoy Saha, Principal Scientist, ICAR- NRCG mentioned,”As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a grape growers’ interaction meeting was held in Nashik, drawing over 600 cultivators from the region. The session focused on urgent interventions following unseasonal rainfall exceeding 300 mm, which has threatened vineyard health and productivity.” Dr Saha highlighted the importance of canopy retention, disease control, and responsible pesticide use. “Excessive chemical use in panic can do more harm than good. Our message is clear—prioritize biointensive, sustainable practices to safeguard both yield and soil health”, he stated.

These interactions have focused on real-world challenges faced by cultivators of crops such as maize, cotton, soybean, sugarcane, onion, paddy, grapes, mango, and a range of other fruits and vegetables. From improving access to quality seeds and advocating seed treatment practices, to advising on soil health and natural farming techniques, the scientists delivered knowledge that is both timely and actionable. Nutrient and canopy management, integrated pest and disease control—particularly through sustainable biological approaches—and the judicious use of plant growth regulators were among the most sought-after topics. Livestock care and awareness of government schemes also featured prominently in the conversations.

What set this campaign apart was not just the technical depth but the experiential richness of the field demonstrations. Farmers witnessed the use of drone technology for precision spraying and learned how soil moisture sensors can dramatically improve nutrient efficiency—transforming traditional agriculture with cutting-edge solutions.

Equally inspiring was the enthusiastic involvement of women farmers, who brought valuable insights to the table. They spoke candidly about challenges they face, including price fluctuations in seeds, inconsistent access to quality inputs, concerns around the Minimum Support Price, and gaps in crop insurance coverage. Their voices added both urgency and authenticity to the campaign’s goals. Such combined efforts by ICAR-NRCG team, exemplify the spirit of a forward-looking India—where science empowers farmers and agriculture leads the path to inclusive development.

Suchetana Choudhury

suchetana.choudhuri@agrospectrumindia.com