New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday described the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a landmark initiative for farmers and a unique effort aimed at advancing agricultural development across India.
With the monsoon season approaching and Kharif preparations underway, the Prime Minister noted that over the next 12 to 15 days, 2,000 teams comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers will travel through more than 700 districts, reaching millions of farmers in villages nationwide. Modi extended his best wishes to all farmers and the campaign participants, acknowledging their dedication to strengthening India’s agricultural sector.
Highlighting that agriculture has traditionally been a state subject—with each state crafting policies and programs for farmer welfare—PM Modi emphasised the need for significant transformation to match rapidly changing times. He pointed out that while Indian farmers have achieved record production and filled grain reserves, evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences necessitate modern reforms. These reforms must be pursued collaboratively with states and farmers.
Under this campaign, Modi said scientific teams will bring data and advanced agricultural knowledge from the lab directly to the field, providing timely support to farmers before the Kharif season begins. He praised decades of agricultural research and the successes of progressive farmers experimenting with new techniques that yield impressive results.
Stressing the importance of scaling scientific insights and successful practices across the broader farming community, Modi said, “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan presents a valuable opportunity to bridge this knowledge gap, enabling farmers to benefit from cutting-edge agricultural insights.”
For a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), PM Modi underlined the necessity of evolving agriculture, highlighting key government focus areas: ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce, strengthening the agricultural economy, and aligning crop production with national needs.
“India must not only fulfill its own needs but also emerge as a global food supplier,” Modi stated. He stressed addressing climate change challenges, enhancing grain production with minimal water use, protecting soil health from harmful chemicals, modernising farming techniques, and applying science and technology in the fields. He credited the government’s extensive efforts over the past decade in these domains and urged campaign teams to maximize farmer awareness of modern agricultural advancements.
Further, Modi emphasised the importance of providing farmers with additional income streams beyond traditional farming. He cited initiatives such as:
- Installing solar panels along field boundaries to generate extra revenue
- Expanding the Sweet Revolution, where beekeeping supports farmers economically
- Converting agricultural residues into energy, turning waste into wealth
- Identifying suitable areas for cultivating ‘Shri Anna’ (a high-yield rice variety) and promoting value addition in agricultural products
- Increasing economic contributions from non-milking cattle through the Gobardhan Yojana, creating new income opportunities
He called for widespread awareness of these innovations to ensure farmers’ full participation and benefit.
Reaffirming his vision, PM Modi stated, “India’s agriculture must become a cornerstone of a developed India,” emphasizing the importance of the mission. He encouraged farmers to actively engage with visiting scientists, ask questions, and gain valuable insights.
Calling on scientists and officials, the Prime Minister urged them to see their role beyond routine duties, embracing it as national service. They must respond thoroughly to farmers’ queries and document suggestions carefully.
Concluding, PM Modi remarked, “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will open new avenues of progress for India’s farmers, driving modernisation in agriculture.” He extended his best wishes to all stakeholders involved in this transformative campaign.
(ANI)
About The Author
