Union Agriculture Minister Launches ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ from Odisha to Empower Farmers Nationwide

Puri: In a historic move to revolutionize Indian agriculture through scientific innovation and grassroots outreach, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today launched the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ from Sakhigopal in Puri district, Odisha. The campaign, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), marks a decisive step toward transforming farming practices across the country and securing India’s food future.

Launching the campaign, Chouhan described it as a nationwide effort to directly connect scientists with farmers, ensuring that research findings and technological advancements reach agricultural fields. Over the next 15 days, the Minister will travel through nearly 20 states, rallying support for the initiative. He underscored that state governments have a vital role to play in making the campaign a success through collective ownership, active participation, and administrative coordination.

During his address, Chouhan explained that the campaign will adopt a two-way communication model. On one hand, scientists will share research-based recommendations and practical techniques with farmers; on the other hand, they will listen to the farmers’ concerns, challenges, and ground realities. The insights gained from these interactions will guide future research priorities, ensuring solutions that are location-specific and tailored to the actual needs of farmers.

To implement this ambitious outreach, over 16,000 agricultural scientists have been mobilized into 2,170 teams. Each team will visit two villages daily, conducting direct dialogues with farmers. These interactions will cover critical topics such as appropriate crop selection based on soil and climate conditions, the use of improved seed varieties, efficient fertilizer application, natural farming practices, and the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds. Chouhan emphasized that this campaign is an unprecedented opportunity to bring practical, scientific solutions to the doorsteps of farmers while laying the foundation for research that responds to real-world agricultural needs.

Calling on the people to contribute to the success of the campaign, Chouhan urged every stakeholder to join hands in making the initiative impactful across the length and breadth of the country.

Also addressing the gathering, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ as a groundbreaking step in spreading awareness about modern agricultural technologies and innovative seed varieties among the farming community. He welcomed the initiative as a timely intervention to strengthen the agricultural backbone of India, particularly in states like Odisha.

The campaign, scheduled to run from May 29 to June 12, 2025, will cover more than 700 districts across India. It will see the active involvement of 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, 113 ICAR institutes, state departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and numerous progressive farmers. Through this initiative, the government aims to foster a dynamic and inclusive agricultural ecosystem that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Concluding his address, Chouhan reiterated the central mission of the campaign—to empower farmers, encourage innovation, and usher in a new era of sustainable and resilient agriculture in India. He expressed confidence that this movement would leave a lasting impact on rural livelihoods and reinforce India’s position as a leader in agricultural progress.