Bhubaneswar: In a major stride towards transforming Indian agriculture, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan today launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA) in Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant and sustainable India, the campaign seeks to revolutionize agriculture and fisheries through the widespread dissemination of technology, grassroots engagement, and capacity building—targeting over 1.5 crore farmers across the country.
In his keynote address, Chouhan emphasized the central role of fisheries in food security and rural livelihood development. “The technologies developed by ICAR-CIFA must reach farmers on the ground. This campaign is not just about technology—it is about transforming lives,” he said, urging greater synergy between research institutions and farming communities.
The launch event was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister and Odisha’s Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment & Energy, who lauded VKSA-2025 as a “timely intervention” to accelerate Odisha’s agricultural growth through enhanced access to innovation, infrastructure, and institutional support.
Gokulananda Mallik, Odisha’s Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting farmers and livestock owners through free veterinary services and proactive animal husbandry programs to strengthen rural economies.
Top leadership from ICAR also marked their presence, including Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General of ICAR and Secretary (DARE), who called VKSA-2025 a “transformational pre-Kharif campaign”. He stressed the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and grassroots realities to build a resilient and prosperous farming ecosystem.
Other key figures included Dr. J.K. Jena (Deputy Director General, Fisheries Science), Dr. Rajbir Singh (Deputy Director General, Agricultural Extension), and Dr. Pradip Dey (Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata).
More than 600 farmers and women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) participated in a lively scientist-farmer interaction session, where they were exposed to sustainable farming techniques, integrated aquaculture practices, and climate-resilient innovations.
A significant highlight of the day was the launch of a novel fish vaccine, “CIFA Argu VAX–I”, by the Union Agriculture Minister. Developed by ICAR-CIFA, the vaccine targets parasitic infections in fish and marks a breakthrough in improving fish health and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
An exhibition showcasing innovations by Self Help Groups, KVK Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA was held alongside the launch, highlighting community participation and grassroots innovation in agriculture and fisheries.
The VKSA-2025 campaign will be carried out nationwide from May 29 to June 12, 2025, engaging farmers across every district. With its focus on inclusive, resilient, and future-ready agriculture, the campaign is poised to be a turning point in India’s journey towards a Viksit Krishi for a Viksit Bharat.
