India's Ambitious Agricultural Vision Unveiled
In a bold declaration, the Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has charted a path to transform India into the food basket of the world. Speaking from the ICAR-IIHR campus in Hessarghatta, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, he outlined the central government's far-reaching ambitions that go beyond merely feeding India’s population of 145 crore.
Collaborative Roadmap Under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
The minister emphasized a collaborative approach, involving partnerships with state governments, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), farmers, and scientists. Together, these stakeholders will create a comprehensive strategy to elevate India's agricultural output and global standing.
The initiative, known as the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, is intricately aligned with the Prime Minister's vision for a Developed India by 2047. At its core, this campaign aims to modernize and expand the agriculture sector across the nation.
‘Lab to Land’: Bridging Science and Farming
One of the flagship components of this campaign is the ‘Lab to Land’ initiative, which mobilizes the expertise of over 16,000 scientists who actively engage with farmers to impart scientific knowledge and practical support.
In just 10 days, nearly 1,896 teams have connected with around 9 lakh farmers across 8,188 villages, weaving science deeply into agricultural practices.
An Intensive Effort in Karnataka
Karnataka serves as a key example where more than 70 interdisciplinary teams—including agriculture and allied officials—are visiting farms daily under the campaign. These teams gather direct feedback from farmers, enabling research to be tailored to real-world challenges.
So far, 639 teams have reached 2,495 villages, engaging with 2,77,264 farmers in Karnataka alone, signaling strong grassroots momentum.
Ensuring Fair Prices and Transportation Support
A critical aspect of the mission is to secure fair prices for farmers' produce. To that end, the Centre has committed to bearing transportation costs under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), easing the logistical burden and boosting income security for farmers.
Recognizing Agricultural Excellence
During the event, the minister honored seven outstanding farmers from Karnataka: Ratnamma, Gopal Gowda, Padmini Gowda, H.K. Raghu, Mangalamma, Mahesh H.N., and Sreenivas. Their exemplary contributions underscore the promising future of Indian agriculture.
The Road Ahead: One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan rests on the principle of unity, promoting the mantra of ‘One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team’. This integrated approach seeks to streamline India’s vast agricultural landscape into a synchronized force capable of feeding not just the nation but the world.
With these concerted efforts and visionary strategies underway, India stands poised to redefine its role in global food security, all while empowering its farmers and embracing innovation at every step.
