Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: Union Minister of State Shri. George Kurian Visits KVK-Lakshadweep of ICAR-CMFRI
Shri. George Kurian, Hon'ble Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs & Fisheries,Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, visited Kavaratti Island on10th June2025, to participate on the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) lead by KVK in Lakshadweep Islands. The campaign was attended by farmers and fishermen and beneficiaries of different central schemes.
The campaign was held in the presence of Dr. Giri Sankar IAS, Collector and District Magistrate Shri. Raj Tilak, IFS, Secretary (Agriculture) under UT Administration of Lakshadweep. During the campaign, the advisory for agriculture and fisheries were provided to the assembled farmers.
The Minister spoke on the prospects of fisheries and the potentials of deep sea fishing in Lakshadweep to be harnessed for which the government will support for such initiatives. The works on ICAR-CMFRI on providing technical guidance to the promotion of seaweed to Lakshadweep was lauded by the Minister. The Minister spoke about Lakshadweep being designated as a Seaweed Cluster, indicating a focus on developing seaweed farming and utilization in the region. He applauded KVK-Lakshadweep for being selected as the National Best Award by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and Dhanuka.
The Minister visited the ornamental fish hatchery established by ICAR-CMFRI in Kavaratti with the support of NCDC, New Delhi. On the occasion, small machines and machinery to farmers and farmer groups, supported by KVK, Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) of ICAR-CMFRI and PMMSY were distributed to the farmers. The Minister appreciated the establishment of such a hatchery in Kavaratti for the promotion of entrepreneurship and development.
Dr. P. N. Ananth, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK-Lakshadweep presented the report on work done by KVK on Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) and also coordinated the event.
