Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan gains momentum in Phek, Meluri

• KOHIMA — In alignment with the nationwide campaign to strengthen Indian agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek (ICAR–NRC on Mithun, Medziphema), under ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, launched an intensive awareness and outreach initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), covering remote and ecologically sensitive villages across Phek and Meluri districts.
• 
  
• The campaign (from May 29 to June 12) is held in collaboration with the line departments and scientists from School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema,
• 
  
• 

  Participants and dignitaries during an outreach programme in Sohomi village, Phek district.

• 
  
• The campaign was officially launched at the national level on May 29 by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, with the aim of mobilising rural farming communities to adopt sustainable, low-input agricultural practices, an update from KVK Phek stated.
• 
  
• The campaign focuses on empowering farmers with knowledge of natural farming, enhancing climate resilience, improving nutritional security and promoting the use of indigenous crop varieties.
• 
  
• It stated that KVK Phek has taken the campaign to the grassroots, reaching some of the most remote and difficult-to-access villages in the districts despite challenging terrain, poor road infrastructure and the early onset of the monsoon.

Also read: Proliferation of unions and factions threat to Naga unity — MLA Pongshi

• 
  
• Field teams consisting of agricultural scientists, technical staff and extension workers have been travelling across the hilly terrain to directly interact with farming households, village leaders and local institutions.
• 
  
• As of June 6, the campaign has successfully covered 72 villages under Phek district.
• 
  
• During each village visit, the KVK team conducted awareness programmes and farmer group discussions on key topics such as principles and practices of natural farming, use of traditional landraces for ecological sustainability, soil health management and bio-inputs, government schemes for farmer welfare and agricultural development, importance of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing food and nutritional security.
• 
  
• The campaign highlighted the need for region-specific farming models that are both ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate. Farmers were also encouraged to share their own experiences, local innovations and challenges faced in agriculture. It mentioned that the initiative helped foster mutual learning between scientists and the community, while building trust and opening pathways for further collaboration.
• 
  
• Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, head of KVK Phek, informed that the response from farmers has been highly encouraging. He stated that despite the difficult access, people were eager to learn and adopt methods that are both traditional and scientifically sound.
• 
  
• Report added that KVK Phek plans to continue the campaign in other villages in the coming weeks, deepening engagement and facilitating connections between farmers, researchers and government programmes.
• 
  
• Special emphasis would be placed on promoting climate-resilient farming practices, encouraging youth participation in agriculture and strengthening women’s roles in local food systems.