Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a flagship initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare through ICAR, has successfully concluded in Mokokchung district after a 12-day intensive campaign. Organised locally by KVK Mokokchung in collaboration with ICAR scientists and officials from the district’s Agriculture and allied departments, the campaign covered 96.59% of the villages and reached over 7,000 participants, including farmers, self-help groups, and rural youth.
During the campaign, extensive awareness was created on sustainable agricultural practices for kharif crops, the importance of soil health, climate-resilient and resource conservation technologies, animal feed and health management, integrated farming systems, natural farming, and various schemes and policies under the central and state governments. Technical sessions were held in each village, with experts offering hands-on demonstrations and personalised guidance to address local farming needs. Farmers were actively engaged, and their feedback provided critical insights into the present gaps in rural agriculture.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Keviletsu Khate, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Mokokchung, expressed appreciation for the active participation of the farming community and the departments involved. He emphasised that the campaign was not only aimed at information dissemination but also served as a platform to listen to the genuine concerns of farmers across the district.
Throughout the campaign, several recurring issues were brought forward by farmers. One of the most common concerns was the difficulty in accessing timely and quality seeds and planting materials, which continues to hinder agricultural productivity. Farmers also shared their struggle with market linkages, especially for perishable products, pointing out that the lack of organised marketing avenues often forces them to sell at low prices or rely on middlemen.
The absence of irrigation support in many parts of the district was another major issue, with most farmers still dependent on seasonal rainfall. Many expressed the urgent need for minor irrigation facilities and water conservation measures. While awareness of government schemes has improved, several farmers reported challenges in accessing benefits due to procedural delays or lack of clear communication at the grassroots level.
A common aspiration shared by participants was the desire for more frequent and practical training sessions. They appreciated the information provided during the VKSA campaign but hoped for sustained follow-up support—especially in areas like organic farming, pest and disease control, composting household waste, and scientific crop management. Concerns about the long-term impact of chemical fertilisers and herbicides were also raised, with farmers expressing interest in natural alternatives but seeking more hands-on support for the transition.
A noteworthy aspect of the campaign was the reciprocal learning between the scientific fraternity and farmers, the identification of farmer-led innovations at the village level, and the observation of researchable areas. These will enable research institutions to better address the local needs of the farming community.
The VKSA campaign has highlighted the resilience and eagerness of Mokokchung’s farmers to adopt improved practices—provided there is continued institutional support. It also underscored the need for better coordination between departments and farmers to ensure that schemes and services reach those who need them most.
With the campaign now officially concluded, KVK Mokokchung and the allied departments have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the challenges raised and to working collaboratively to improve agricultural outcomes in the district.
