In a concerted effort to strengthen the agricultural foundation of Nagaland, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek (ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema), under ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, in collaboration with scientists from ICAR-NRC on Mithun, line departments, and SAS Medziphema, successfully concluded an intensive awareness campaign under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan. Conducted from 29th May to 12th June 2025, the campaign reached 110 villages across the remote and ecologically sensitive districts of Phek and Meluri, engaging a total of 9,180 farmers—5,546 men and 3,634 women.
Launched nationwide by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, on 29th May 2025, the campaign aimed to transform rural agriculture through the promotion of Natural Farming (NF), climate-resilient methods, nutritional security, and indigenous crop varieties.
KVK Phek field teams, composed of agricultural scientists, technical staff, and extension workers, overcame difficult terrain, poor road conditions, and early monsoon weather to connect directly with farming communities. They facilitated awareness programmes, farmer group discussions, and interactive sessions focused on the principles of Natural Farming, the importance of traditional crops for ecological sustainability, soil health and bio-input use, available government schemes, and the relevance of indigenous knowledge systems to food and nutrition security.
The campaign promoted region-specific, culturally relevant, and sustainable agricultural models, encouraging farmers to share their innovations, challenges, and success stories. This participatory approach fostered mutual learning and deepened trust between communities and scientists.
Reflecting on the campaign, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Head of KVK Phek, said, “The overwhelming response from farmers, especially in such remote regions, speaks volumes about their readiness to adopt both traditional and scientifically validated practices. The campaign was more than just awareness—it became a platform for co-creating context-based, sustainable solutions for our agricultural challenges.”
KVK Phek now plans to extend its outreach to more villages, with a continued focus on engaging farmers, involving youth, promoting women-led food systems, and building stronger links between research and community. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan has emerged as a vital step towards a resilient, self-reliant, and sustainable agricultural future for Nagaland.