Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a flagship initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development, continued to make significant strides on its third day in Shopian district.
Implemented through the ICAR and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the campaign is part of a nationwide outreach running from 29th May to 12th June 2025, with the aim of transforming Indian agriculture through awareness, education, and scientific engagement at the grassroots level.
On Day 3, three expert-led multidisciplinary teams were deployed across different blocks of the district, covering nine villages and interacting with over 700 farmers.
These teams were headed by Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad Ganie (KVK Shopian), Dr. Suheel Ahmad (ICAR-IGFRI), and Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri (KVK Shopian), comprised specialists from agriculture, horticulture, animal and sheep husbandry, fisheries, and sericulture, ensuring a holistic approach to farmer outreach and support.
The teams conducted interactive field visits in the villages of Beminpora, Gadapora, Kachdora Nowgam, Shamsipora, and Vehil and Ramnagri, Amshipora, and Reshnagri.
The farmers enthusiastically participated in discussions covering a broad spectrum of topics including efficient fertilizer use through Soil Health Cards, package of practices for Kharif crops, high-density apple plantations, orchard spray schedules, and the adoption of natural and organic farming techniques.
Demonstrations and discussions also emphasized water conservation, drone technology in farming, good agricultural practices (GAP), and animal health management, alongside updates on key government schemes and subsidies.
One of the distinctive features of VKSA is its emphasis on two-way communication, wherein farmer insights directly contribute to shaping future research and policy frameworks. During the interactions, farmers voiced critical suggestions such as the inclusion of apples in crop insurance schemes, establishment of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for apples, and the need for subsidized hail n