LG Manoj Sinha Leads Viksit Krishi Abhiyan Closing in Kulgam

In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural development, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops at Khudwani, Kulgam, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir, to preside over the closing ceremony of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025. The occasion also marked the Shubh Aarambh of rice transplantation, reflecting the region’s renewed dedication to sustainable and technology-driven farming. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research , was conducted from May 29, 2024, to January 14, 2025. Designed to connect advanced agricultural research with ground-level farming practices, the campaign directly reached over 1.5 crore farmers across India. In Jammu and Kashmir, more than two lakh farmers benefitted from the initiative, which promoted scientific techniques, improved crop varieties, and sustainable agricultural models. Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha praised the campaign’s transformative impact. He stated that the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan had effectively bridged the gap between scientists and farmers, fostering a culture of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainability. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the ceremonial beginning of rice transplantation was not merely symbolic, but a powerful message of hope and progress for the farming community in Jammu and Kashmir. He further commended SKUAST-Kashmir for its continuous efforts in agricultural research and its role in empowering farmers with science-backed solutions. The event featured field demonstrations of advanced rice transplantation methods and the distribution of high-yielding, climate-resilient seed varieties developed by SKUAST’s MRCFC. Several progressive farmers were honoured for embracing innovative techniques introduced during the campaign. These recognitions underscored the practical impact of the Abhiyan in shaping a more self-reliant and productive agrarian economy. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha personally interacted with farmers attending the event, encouraging them to adopt modern farming tools and practices that not only increase yields but also reduce costs and environmental strain. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rural development and stressed the importance of making farming more rewarding and future-ready. Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the pivotal role of research in addressing climate-related agricultural challenges. He remarked that the campaign had significantly amplified the university’s outreach and strengthened the link between innovation and implementation on the ground. According to him, the work at MRCFC focuses on developing crop varieties suited to the unique agro-climatic conditions of Kashmir, ensuring that local farmers are equipped to face future challenges. The event concluded with a collective pledge led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to continue the momentum created by the campaign. The pledge echoed the national vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with Jammu and Kashmir playing a proactive role in the country’s agricultural advancement. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, agricultural scientists, farmers, and local representatives, making it a defining moment in the region’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable farming.