Wokha DC flagging off the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign in Wokha on May 29. (Morung Photo)
DIMAPUR/WOKHA/ZUNHEBOTO, MAY 29 (MExN): The National Level Pre-Kharif Campaign under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA): Bharat Krishi Jagran Yatra – Anusandhan Kisan Ke Dwar was launched across multiple districts in Nagaland on May 29. The campaign aims to empower farmers through direct engagement, promotion of modern agricultural technologies, and awareness of government schemes. Coordinated by the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and various agriculture and allied departments, the VKSA initiative seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and rural farming practices.
Comprehensive launch across districts
At Wokha, Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar emphasized the core objectives of the campaign. He noted that despite substantial advancements in agricultural science and technology, a persistent gap remains in effectively translating these developments to the grassroots level. “This campaign is a vital step in bridging that gap, by ensuring that innovations reach the farmers directly,” he stated.
The DC also highlighted the importance of effective communication during such awareness drives, stressing that “technical knowledge must be translated into local, understandable language for better impact.”
The district has formed three teams to cover nine villages daily over the next 12 days. KVK Wokha's Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh and ADC Renbomo Ezung emphasized collaborative efforts for agricultural development. The campaign was formally flagged off after the release of key publications.
At Nagaland University, Lumami, the state-level launch was hosted by KVK Zunheboto. Vice-Chancellor Prof. JK Patnaik, the chief guest, emphasized agriculture’s role in India's economic growth. He praised institutions like ICAR and KVKs for contributing to self-sufficiency in food production. Farmers were encouraged to promote Nagaland’s unique products nationally and internationally. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Akuluto, Atsung Walling, called for full cooperation from village councils and farmers.
In Tuensang, Deputy Commissioner Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa flagged off the 15-day campaign. Stressing the need for timely seed availability and value addition, she urged departments to promote market linkages. KVK Tuensang will cover 102 villages across Tuensang, Noklak, and Shamator. Collaborators include NRC-Mithun, the School of Agricultural Sciences (CAU Jalukie), and multiple state departments.
Mon district launched its 12-day VKSA programme at KVK Mon, where Aboi SDO (Civil) Renbithung Jami addressed farmers. Dr. V. Akashe Zhimomi, Senior Scientist & Head of KVK Mon, emphasized the importance of technology transfer and government scheme access. Technical sessions on livestock farming and sustainable practices followed.
In Longleng, Deputy Commissioner W. Manpai Phom flagged off the campaign, highlighting grassroots collaboration for agricultural growth. Technical teams began field visits to villages like Hukphang and Lingtak to interact directly with farmers.
In Tseminyu, the campaign was launched at Council Hall, Tesophenyu Village with ADC Kikumsangla Jamir as special guest. The focus was on soil health, livestock care, off-season vegetable cultivation, and conservation. KVK Kohima and state departments led the programme.
Mokokchung held its launch at the Community Hall in Mokokchung Village. ADC Chumlamo Humtsoe graced the occasion as guest of honour, underlining the campaign’s significance in preparing farmers for the upcoming kharif season.
In Phek, the launch was hosted by ICAR-KVK Porba. MLA Dr. Neisatuo Mero, the chief guest, emphasized sustainable agriculture’s role in rural development. DC Rhosietho Nguori and DHO Senkalemba spoke on enhancing grassroots and horticultural outreach. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, KVK Phek Head, announced the campaign will cover 106 villages in Phek and Meluri by June 12.
Peren district witnessed a strong turnout at the Community Hall, Mhainamtsi Village, with over 175 farmers attending. Dr I Shakuntala, Dean of CoVSc, CAU Jalukie, explained the campaign’s national scope—aiming to cover 65,000 villages and 1.5 crore farmers using 2,170 teams. She highlighted the initiative's goal to build a sustainable and self-reliant ecosystem, focusing on soil health, technology adoption, and demand-driven research. ADC Jalukie Albert praised the collaborative efforts and urged farmers to tap into Peren’s agricultural potential.
The VKSA campaign, which will run until mid-June, is being implemented as a pre-monsoon initiative to boost preparedness among farmers. It aligns with the larger Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to transform Indian agriculture through sustainable, science-led practices.
