Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Unveils ‘VKSA-2025’ at ICAR-CIFA in Bhubaneswar.
National
On May 29, 2025, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), inaugurated the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This nationwide campaign is aimed at transforming Indian agriculture through innovation and technology dissemination.
- VKSA-2025 is a 15-day nationwide campaign, running from May 29 to June 12, 2025. It seeks to reach over 1.5 crore farmers across the country to promote advanced agricultural and fisheries technologies. The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a self-reliant and sustainable India.
- The inaugural ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo (Deputy CM & Agriculture Minister, Odisha), Gokulananda Mallik (Fisheries Minister, Odisha), and Dr. Mangi Lal Jat (DG, ICAR & Secretary, DARE, MoA&FW), among others.
- The campaign focuses on bridging knowledge gaps by linking farmers with innovations from 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and 113 ICAR institutes. It promotes climate-resilient and natural farming practices, encourages the efficient use of Soil Health Cards, and supports improved post-harvest management and value addition to reduce crop losses.
Main Point :- (i) VKSA-2025 will be implemented by 2,170 scientific teams consisting of 16,000 agricultural scientists, engaging farmers across more than 700 districts in India. Each team will conduct outreach in two villages per day, focusing on topics like pre-Kharif preparations, integrated farming systems, and resource conservation through workshops and demonstrations.
(ii) During the launch event, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled “CIFA Argu VAX-I,” a new vaccine developed by ICAR-CIFA to combat parasitic infections in fish and reduce economic losses in aquaculture.
(iii) Additionally, an exhibition showcasing innovations from Self Help Groups (SHGs), KVK Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA highlighted the importance of community participation and grassroots innovation in agriculture.
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