Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan: DDG (Animal Science), ICAR interacts with farmers at ICAR-CMFRI
Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) attended the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign held at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi on 4th June 2025.
During his address, he stated that the ongoing Lab to Land’ initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan would significantly enhance crop productivity in the coming seasons.
Dr Raghavendra Bhatta, who is the VKSA Coordinator for Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep, said technological innovations and scientific solutions being introduced among the farming community would play a crucial role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape. “Under this initiative, scientists and experts from ICAR institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are engaging directly with farmers, understanding their issues, and offering on-site solutions. This landmark initiative will pave the way for wide-spread adoption of advanced farming techniques, refining farming practices and efficient resource management, ultimately leading to a quality production across crops”, he said.
By integrating scientific innovations with indigenous farming knowledge, the VKSA is projected to have a manifold impact on the country’s agriculture and allied sectors in increasing crop yields, enhancing livestock productivity and boosting aquaculture output. With scientists working closely with farming communities, the government anticipates a measurable rise in income levels and overall rural prosperity, ICAR DDG added.
Scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 KVKs, officials from state- level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, as well as innovative farmers are part of this campaign. ICAR-CMFRI scientists are using this campaign to popularise its cutting technologies in cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish farming, seaweed cultivation, etc.
On the occasion, DDG, ICAR distributed fishing materials including cast net, life jacket, rain coat, headlights and tarpaulin sheets to 80 coastal farmers belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community.
Dr Grinson George, Director of ICAR-CMFRI presided over the function. Dr Venkatasubramanian, Director of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Bangalore and Dr George Ninan, Director of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology were the guest of honours. ICAR-CMFRI Principals Scientists Dr Madhu K and Dr Saju George also spoke on the occasion.
