In a historic move to bridge the gap between agricultural research and farmers, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has announced that preparations for the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ are in their final stages. This ambitious nationwide campaign, set to launch on May 29, 2025, in Puri, Odisha, aims to directly engage 1.5 crore farmers across over 700 districts, marking a significant step toward revolutionising Indian agriculture through innovation, collaboration, and demand-driven research.
A Vision for Farmers’ Prosperity
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan,’ spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with state governments, is poised to be a game-changer for Indian agriculture. For the first time since independence, the government is undertaking a massive initiative to foster direct interaction between scientists, officials, and farmers. The campaign, running from May 29 to June 12, 2025, will see teams of agricultural experts visit villages across the country, engaging with farmers to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and promote sustainable practices.
Speaking at an orientation program at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed agricultural scientists from 113 ICAR institutes, 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and various Central and State Agricultural Universities. “Farming lives in every breath I take, and farmers dwell in every part of my being,” he declared, underscoring his personal commitment to the agricultural community. He emphasised that the campaign is designed to boost production, ensure food security, and safeguard the interests of future generations through balanced fertiliser use, localised research, and access to high-quality seeds.
A Result-Oriented Initiative
Shri Chouhan described the Abhiyan as a “result-oriented program,” predicting tangible outcomes as early as the upcoming Kharif season. “Increased yields and reduced production costs will be visible soon,” he assured, highlighting the campaign’s focus on practical, farmer-centric solutions. He stressed the importance of integrating scientists, department officials, and farmers—a synergy he noted has been absent for too long. “Farming is a matter of heart and emotion, and it must be lived,” he said, urging stakeholders to approach the initiative with passion and dedication.
The Minister reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to agricultural advancement, pledging that there will be “no shortage of funds” for research and innovation. He called on scientists to showcase India’s research capabilities globally, asserting, “Our agricultural institutions possess the strength that will be recognised by the entire world.” Shri Chouhan also expressed gratitude to the scientific community, promising that the nation would honour their contributions upon the campaign’s success.
Collaborative Framework and Objectives
The orientation session saw participation from key figures, including Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR); and Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension) at ICAR. Representatives from ICAR institutes, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, KVKs, and agricultural universities joined both in person and virtually, reflecting the campaign’s nationwide reach.
Shri Chaturvedi highlighted the potential impact of even marginal productivity gains, noting that India’s 210 million hectares of net cropped area could see a substantial boost in output with an increase of just one quintal per hectare. Dr. Jat elaborated on the Abhiyan’s objectives, emphasising a shift from supply-driven to demand-driven research. “The era of supply-driven research is over,” he said. “We must focus on research that meets farmers’ needs and translates into practical solutions.” The campaign aims to bridge the gap between research and field application, foster farmer-led innovations, and promote inclusive, sustainable growth.
Dr. Jat stressed the challenge of communicating complex research in a way that resonates with farmers. “Agricultural research has its own language, and we must translate it into scientific yet practical terms for end-users,” he explained. The Abhiyan provides a platform for this through coordinated efforts involving scientists, state-level departments, and innovative farmers.
Nationwide Reach and Execution
The ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ will span over 700 districts, with teams comprising scientists, officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, and fisheries departments, and progressive farmers. The campaign will leverage the infrastructure of 731 KVKs and 113 ICAR institutes to facilitate direct, village-level interactions. This grassroots approach aims to reach approximately 1.5 crore farmers, ensuring that research insights and modern practices are accessible to even the most remote agricultural communities.
The campaign’s launch in Puri, Odisha, carries symbolic significance, aligning with the government’s focus on inclusive development. By engaging farmers directly, the Abhiyan seeks to empower them with knowledge and tools to enhance productivity while addressing local challenges such as soil health, water management, and access to quality inputs.
Gratitude and Future Outlook
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Director of the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, New Delhi, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective effort behind the campaign’s preparations. The initiative reflects a broader vision of transforming Indian agriculture into a globally competitive, sustainable sector that prioritises farmers’ welfare.
As the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ prepares to roll out, it stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to modernising agriculture while honouring the emotional and cultural significance of farming. With robust funding, a collaborative framework, and a focus on tangible outcomes, the campaign promises to usher in a new era of prosperity for India’s farmers.
