In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Indian agriculture, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA-2025) at the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Kausalyaganga, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The campaign aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a self-reliant and sustainable India, and seeks to promote the widespread adoption of advanced agricultural and fisheries technologies across the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the campaign’s ambitious goal to reach over 1.5 crore farmers across India through technology dissemination, capacity building, and grassroots engagement.
He emphasized that fisheries is an integral pillar of India’s food security and a viable pathway for livelihood development, and stressed that all technologies developed by ICAR-CIFA must effectively reach farmers to enhance their income and build a developed and resilient fisheries sector.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment & Energy, Government of Odisha; Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Government of Odisha; Shri Babu Singh, MLA, Ekamra; and Shri Ashrit Pattanayak, MLA, Pipili. From the ICAR leadership, the event witnessed the presence of Dr. M. L. Jat, Director General, ICAR & Secretary (DARE); Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science); Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension); and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata.
The dignitaries were formally welcomed by Dr. J.K. Jena. Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, in his remarks, expressed that the VKSA campaign is a timely intervention that will accelerate Odisha’s agricultural transformation and empower farmers through greater access to innovation, infrastructure, and institutional support.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gokulananda Mallik reiterated the Odisha Government’s commitment to empowering farmers and livestock owners through free veterinary health services and proactive animal husbandry programs aimed at rural economic development.
DG ICAR, Dr. M. L. Jat, described VKSA-2025 as a transformational pre-Kharif campaign that bridges cutting-edge scientific research with farmers’ needs on the ground. He called upon all stakeholders to unite in realizing the vision of Viksit Krishi for a Viksit Bharat, ensuring prosperity and resilience in Indian agriculture.
More than 600 farmers and farm women from Self Help Groups participated in the scientist-farmer interaction session, gaining insights into sustainable practices, improved technologies, and integrated approaches to agriculture and aquaculture.
A key highlight of the day was the release of a novel fish vaccine – “CIFA Argu VAX–I” – by the Hon’ble Agriculture Minister. Developed by ICAR-CIFA, this vaccine targets parasitic infections in fish, offering a significant breakthrough in fish health management and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
On the sidelines, an exhibition was organized showcasing innovations and products by Self Help Groups (SHGs), KVK Khordha, and ICAR-CIFA, reflecting community involvement and grassroots innovation.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajbir Singh, DDG (Agricultural Extension), who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and stakeholders for their overwhelming support in making the launch ceremony a grand success.
The VKSA-2025 campaign will continue nationwide from May 29 to June 12, 2025, engaging farmers across all districts in a mission to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agricultural sector.