Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan concludes in Sikkim with strong farmer participation

GANGTOK,: Sikkim, India’s first fully organic State, witnessed a vibrant and meaningful conclusion to the nation-wide agricultural campaign, Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), which ran from May 29 to June 12. This national initiative, launched by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was coordinated in Sikkim by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati along with the line departments of Government of Sikkim, ICAR institutes, and colleges of Central Agricultural University, Imphal. The flag bearer of the entire programme was four Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) of Sikkim who covered all the districts of the State.

The campaign focused on sensitizing farmers to climate-resilient agricultural techniques, encouraging the use of organic inputs, and promoting region-specific technologies suitable for the state’s hilly agro-ecology, informs a PIB release.

Over 31,000 farmers from 639 villages participated in awareness drives, demonstrations, and interactive consultations with scientific experts. Eight teams of scientists and agriculture officers, entrepreneurs covered 198 events, even reaching difficult terrains and vibrant villages such as Lachen, Lachung, Padamchen, Limthem and Zuluk, all of which share international borders with China.

One of the key highlights was the Krishi Rath initiative, which in coordination with the Indian Army, made impactful visits to remote and strategically important locations, enhancing the visibility of government schemes and scientific interventions. Seed exchange programs also played a crucial role, with around 35 farmers exchanging approximately 15 varieties of seeds including rice, vegetables, pulses, and other horticultural crops. These were complemented by animal health camps and critical input distribution, tailored to the unique needs of the region.

Dr. G. Kadirvel, director of ICAR ATARI Zone VI, remarked, “This campaign is not just a short-term intervention but a long-term commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment. The participation of farmers in Sikkim has shown how deeply rooted organic principles can support both productivity and ecological balance.”