Sustainable Farming in a strategic move to transform India’s agricultural landscape and ensure food security, the Government of India has launched a 15-day nationwide farmer awareness initiative known as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. The campaign, running from May 29 to June 12, 2025, is aimed at empowering 1 to 1.5 crore farmers across 700 districts with vital information on new seed varieties, modern farming techniques, climate-resilient agriculture, and sustainable practices.

This campaign is a landmark step toward the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), as it seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between traditional farming practices and emerging technologies, helping farmers enhance their productivity, income, and resilience in the face of climate change.

Campaign Vision and Objective

The main goal of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is to educate and empower farmers with up-to-date agricultural knowledge that can significantly improve yields and reduce input costs. The government aims to increase the adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties, reduce dependence on outdated techniques, and ensure that farmers are informed about various central and state-level schemes meant for their welfare.

By promoting these technologies and practices, the campaign supports India’s ambitious foodgrain production target of 354.64 million tonnes for 2025-26, setting the tone for sustainable agricultural development and rural prosperity.

Structure and Implementation

The campaign’s scale and precision are unprecedented. Nearly 2,000 expert teams have been formed comprising agricultural scientists, state agricultural department officers, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) experts, and progressive farmers. These teams will visit rural areas, conduct training sessions, and hold interactive meetings with farmer groups. Each team is expected to organize three awareness sessions per day, resulting in outreach to 10 to 12 lakh farmers daily.

Additionally, 3,100 master trainers, mainly ICAR-affiliated scientists, have already been trained and deployed to ensure the seamless flow of accurate, scientific information. These trainers will help tailor educational content to specific regions, crops, and climatic conditions, making the campaign highly localized and relevant.

Focus Areas

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan will focus on key themes that directly affect agricultural productivity and farmer income:

1. High-Yielding and Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties

Farmers will be introduced to new seed varieties developed by ICAR and other research institutes that are more resistant to drought, pests, and diseases. These varieties are expected to deliver higher yields with reduced input costs.

2. Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management

Sessions will focus on optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides to promote healthier crops and soil conservation while minimizing harmful environmental impacts.

3. Sustainable Agriculture Techniques

From zero-tillage practices to organic farming and water conservation methods, farmers will be educated on sustainable techniques that preserve natural resources and reduce input costs over the long term.

4. Digital Tools and Government Schemes

Farmers will be made aware of government portals, mobile apps, and digital services that provide weather forecasts, crop advisory, market prices, and subsidies. Training will also be provided on schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY (crop insurance), and Agri-Infra Fund.

Ministerial Support and Strategic Importance

Speaking at the Kharif National Conference 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the campaign reflects the government’s strong commitment to empowering farmers through knowledge and science-backed practices. He emphasized that improving agricultural extension services will lead to higher yields, lower input costs, and better returns for farmers, especially in the wake of global climate challenges and fluctuating commodity markets.

The campaign also aligns with India’s G20 agenda and its broader commitments to sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Ground-Level Impact

The campaign is expected to foster long-term improvements in farming behavior. By directly engaging with small and marginal farmers, the campaign aims to:

• Democratize access to knowledge

• Encourage farmer-to-farmer learning

• Promote adoption of advanced agri-technologies

• Build resilience against extreme weather events

The face-to-face format, combined with printed materials and demonstrations, ensures effective communication, especially in regions with limited internet access.

Expected Outcomes

If implemented effectively, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan could yield the following results:

• Enhanced Productivity: Widespread adoption of improved seeds and techniques will boost output across key crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.

• Farmer Empowerment: Farmers equipped with better knowledge and decision-making tools will be more self-reliant and financially secure.

• Environmental Sustainability: Practices like integrated nutrient management and reduced pesticide use will help preserve soil health and biodiversity.

• Policy Feedback Loop: Insights gathered during farmer interactions will help shape future agricultural policies, aligning them with grassroots needs.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan?

A: It’s a 15-day nationwide campaign launched by the Indian government to educate farmers on modern agricultural practices, new seed varieties, and sustainable farming techniques.News On Air

Q2: When will the campaign take place?

A: The campaign is scheduled from May 29 to June 12, 2025.The Economic Times+3Rediff+3The Economic Times+3

Q3: How many farmers will be reached through this initiative?

A: The campaign aims to reach 1 to 1.5 crore farmers across 700 districts in India.

Q4: Who will conduct the training sessions?

A: 2,000 teams comprising agricultural scientists, state officials, and progressive farmers will conduct daily meetings. Additionally, 3,100 agricultural scientists have been trained as master trainers.

Q5: What topics will be covered during the campaign?

A: The campaign will focus on modern farming techniques, climate-resilient seed varieties, government agricultural schemes, and sustainable farming practices.

Conclusion

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is more than just an awareness campaign — it’s a nationwide movement to elevate Indian agriculture into a modern, climate-resilient, and economically rewarding sector. By bridging the knowledge gap and delivering region-specific solutions directly to the farmers, the initiative is poised to make a measurable difference in agricultural output, sustainability, and rural livelihoods.

As India marches toward a “Viksit Bharat,” the farmer remains at the heart of this journey — empowered, informed, and future-ready.