Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches nationwide initiative to modernize farming

In a transformative effort for agriculture, India has initiated the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, announced by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This nationwide campaign commenced from May 29 and will conclude on June 12. The initiative aims to modernize farming processes and bridge the gap between innovative research and farming communities, deeply aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India through sustainable agricultural practices. The campaign is intended to involve extensive collaboration among multiple agricultural institutions including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), agricultural universities, and farmer-producer organizations. The initiative is set to cover a network of 2,170 expert teams reaching over 65,000 villages across 723 districts. Each team will include at least four members conducting sessions with farmers to ensure the adoption of scientific farming methods. The sessions will focus on specific needs relating to agro-climatic conditions, soil health, rainfall patterns, and water availability. Furthermore, the program encourages a two-way dialogue where farmers can communicate their local challenges, enhancing the research that aims to inform solutions. Chouhan emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to enhance food security for India’s vast population of 1.45 billion, while promoting nutritional access and increasing farmer incomes. The strategy is structured around six crucial pillars: boosting production, lowering input costs, ensuring fair pricing, compensating for natural calamities, encouraging crop diversification, and expanding natural and organic farming techniques. This multifaceted approach aims to ensure sustainable agricultural practices that not only serve society but protect the natural environment as well. Additionally, the minister inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes where he highlighted the importance of aligning academic activities with real-time agricultural challenges. He urged participants to take a more active role in implementing the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, underscoring the necessity of agricultural diversification and environmental stewardship. This initiative not only marks a significant investment in agriculture but serves as a crucial step in establishing India as the "Food Basket of the World."