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Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan to open new avenues of progress for India’s farmers: PM Modi

Bhubaneswar, May 29 (UNI) The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) will unlock new opportunities for India's farmers and accelerate the modernisation of the agriculture sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said.
Addressing the launch of VKSA via video conferencing—an event inaugurated by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Sakhigopal in Puri—Modi described the initiative as a significant step forward in agricultural development and a unique effort to empower farmers.
The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to all farmers and participating teams, applauding their dedication to strengthening India’s agricultural backbone.
“With changing times, the agricultural sector must also undergo transformation,” PM Modi emphasised.
Highlighting the importance of bridging the gap between scientific research and grassroots farming practices, he acknowledged ongoing efforts but stressed the need to accelerate progress with renewed vigor.
“VKSA presents a valuable opportunity to close this knowledge gap, allowing farmers to benefit from cutting-edge agricultural insights,” he stated.
As the monsoon approaches and preparations for the Kharif season begin, Modi announced that in the next 12 to 15 days, around 2,000 teams—comprising scientists, experts, government officials, and progressive farmers—will visit over 700 districts, reaching millions of farmers in villages across India.
“These scientific teams will move from lab to land, delivering critical data and advanced agricultural knowledge to farmers,” he said. “They will stand ready to assist before the onset of the Kharif season.”
Modi also noted that while Indian farmers have achieved record-breaking production and filled national grain reserves, changing market dynamics and consumer preferences demand modern reforms in agriculture.
He called for collaborative efforts between the central government, states, and farmers to implement such reforms. Acknowledging the research accomplishments of Indian agricultural scientists, Modi praised progressive farmers who have embraced new techniques and achieved notable results.
“To realize a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Indian agriculture must evolve,” the Prime Minister said, outlining key focus areas of the central government, such as ensuring fair prices for produce, strengthening the agricultural economy, and aligning crop production with national and global demands.
“India must not only meet its own needs but also become a global food supplier,” Modi asserted. He stressed the importance of addressing climate change, increasing yield with minimal water use, preserving soil health, modernising farming techniques, and integrating science and technology at the grassroots level.
He urged participants in the campaign to raise maximum awareness among farmers about modern practices, including converting agricultural residues into energy and turning waste into wealth.
Modi also highlighted the importance of identifying regions suitable for cultivating ‘Shri Anna’ (nutritious grains) and promoting value addition in agricultural products.
“India’s agriculture must become a pillar of a developed nation,” he said, encouraging farmers to engage with visiting scientists, ask questions, and seek guidance. He also called upon scientists and officials to treat their mission as one of national service, not just routine government duty.
“They must address farmers' questions comprehensively and document their feedback,” Modi said, concluding that “VKSA will open new avenues of progress for India's farmers and drive the modernisation of agriculture.”
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