Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a national campaign jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development continues to gain strong momentum in the Shopian district.
On the fifth day of the campaign, over 500 farmers benefited from extensive outreach and expert-led interactions aimed at transforming agricultural practices and improving livelihoods.
In an effort to reach every corner of the district, three multidisciplinary teams were mobilized under the leadership of Dr. Bilal Ahmad Pandit (Scientist, Horticulture), Dr. Shaiq Ahmad Ganai (Scientist, Post-Harvest Technology), and Dr. Mir Shabir Ahmad (Scientist, Animal Science) from KVK Shopian.
These teams, comprising specialists from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, sheep husbandry, fisheries, and sericulture departments, visited several villages across blocks of Chitragam, Imamsahib, and Kaprin to facilitate knowledge transfer and demonstrate best practices in modern farming.
Farmers received hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance on critical topics such as the judicious use of fertilizers through Soil Health Cards, scientific management of Kharif crops, high-density apple orchard promotion, modern spray scheduling, and the application of drone technology in agriculture.
Animal health management and disease control were also key focus areas, alongside awareness about a range of central government schemes designed to support and uplift the rural farming community.
A significant highlight of the day was the in-depth discussion on the challenges faced by apple growers in the region. Farmers voiced concerns regarding recurring aphid infestations and fruit drop in orchards, while also putting forward key suggestions, including the establishment of zonal-level advanced soil testing labs, and the inclusion of apples under the crop insurance scheme.
The enthusiastic participation of farmers and the constructive exchanges between scientists and cultivators underscored the campaign’s growing impact.
With activities set to continue until June 12, VKSA is steadily reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that no farmer in Shopian is left behind in the collective march toward a self-reliant and prosperous Viksit Bharat.