Kulgam, June 14, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, under Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir in Kulgam district today to participate in the closing ceremony of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025. The event also marked the Shubh Aarambh of rice transplantation, signalling a renewed commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025, a nationwide campaign launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research , ran from May 29 to January 14, 2025. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and grassroots farming, engaging over 1.5 crore farmers across India through direct interactions with agricultural experts. In Jammu and Kashmir, the campaign focused on promoting modern farming techniques, improving crop yields, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasised the transformative potential of the campaign in empowering farmers. “The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan has brought scientists and farmers closer, fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture. The Shubh Aarambh of rice transplantation today is a step toward a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. He also commended SKUAST-Kashmir for its contributions to agricultural research and outreach.
The event featured demonstrations of advanced rice transplantation techniques and the distribution of high-yield seed varieties to local farmers. Progressive farmers were felicitated for adopting innovative practices during the campaign. SKUAST-Kashmir’s MRCFC showcased its research on climate-resilient crops, tailored to the region’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | June 14, 2025 |
| Location | Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops, Khudwani, Kulgam, J&K |
| Chief Guest | Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha |
| Event | Closing Ceremony of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan 2025 & Shubh Aarambh of Rice Transplantation |
| Organizers | SKUAST-Kashmir, Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR |
| Key Activities | Farmer felicitations, seed distribution, rice transplantation demonstrations |
| Focus Areas | Sustainable agriculture, modern farming techniques, climate-resilient crops |
Impact of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Jammu and Kashmir
| Parameter | Achievements |
|---|---|
| Farmer Outreach | Over 2 lakh farmers engaged across J&K |
| Technology Dissemination | Training on precision farming, organic methods, and high-yield varieties |
| Crop Focus | Rice, maize, vegetables, and high-density orchards |
| Collaborations | 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras, SKUAST, state agriculture departments |
| Future Roadmap | New agriculture blueprint for J&K to be finalized by June 2025 |
The Shubh Aarambh of rice transplantation underscored the importance of rice as a staple crop in Kashmir, with SKUAST-Kashmir promoting varieties suited to local conditions. The Lieutenant Governor interacted with farmers, encouraging them to adopt scientific methods to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Director of SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, highlighted the university’s role in the campaign. “Our research at MRCFC focuses on developing crops that withstand climate challenges while ensuring higher yields. The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan has amplified our outreach, connecting farmers with cutting-edge innovations,” he stated.
The closing ceremony concluded with a pledge to continue the momentum of the campaign, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The event was attended by senior officials, scientists, farmers, and local representatives, marking a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural journey.
