Sanajaoba calls for uplift of agriculture sector
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 29 2025: Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba launched the state-level Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) campaign at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, on Thursday.

The 15-day campaign aims to boost agricultural devel opment and farmers' welfare across the state and will be carried out in all nine Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of the state.

The campaign will include direct engagement with nearly 1.5 crore farmers across the country with over 2,000 scientists working across 700 districts, interacting with farmers and bringing agricultural solutions at the grassroots level.

Sanajaoba calls for uplift of agriculture sector

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Sanajaoba Leishemba underscored the importance of the scheme and the transformative impact it could have on farmers' lives.

He stated that farmers should never be underestimated, acknowledging their service to the nation as invaluable.

"The core aim of this scheme is to bring solutions to their challenges directly to their doorsteps rather than making them seek help," he said, adding that under the initiative, officials will meet with at least 300 farmers daily across the country to understand their concerns and offer guidance.

The MP further highlighted objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare to modernise and strengthen Indian agriculture with priority on the wellbeing of the farmers.

"Geographically challenged villages in Manipur, despite their agricultural potential, are often overlooked.

This scheme aims to change that," the MP noted.

He stressed that innovation and progress through scientific research can only be achieved with collective public participation.

"The government alone cannot ensure the success of this programme but entail unified effort from all of us.

Active, sincere involvement from citizens is just as essential" .

Sanajaoba highlighted the growing pressure on agricultural land due to population rise and called for the adoption of innovative farming techniques that do not rely on chemical fertilisers.

He stated that around 50 per cent of Manipur's population depends on agriculture and allied sectors for their livelihood, reiterating that the campaign seeks to support farmers by facilitating dialogue and promoting sustainable practices.

The campaign will collect suggestions and feedback directly from farmers or through two 24x7 toll-free helplines, 011-25846410 and 011-25840184 .

Encouraging farmers and local experts to interact with campaign officials and contribute their knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of the programme, Sanajaoba said that the campaign represents a crucial step towards building a self-reliant India.

The MP also commended the initiative for supporting farmers and recognising their hard work and dedication.

At the same time, he thanked the Government of India for launching such a visionary programme and expressed confidence that it would significantly elevate the agricul-tural landscape of the nation.

On the occasion, Sanajaoba flagged off nine awareness vehicles that will cover the state's districts, carrying key messages on agricultural development under the campaign banner.

Head of the ICAR Regional Centre, Dr Ch Basudha Devi presided over the launch event.

In Imphal East district, KVK, Imphal East launched the campaign at the office of the district agriculture office in the presence of CAU, Extension Education director Prof Ph Ranjit Sharma, deputy director Dr Th Robindro, and senior scientist & head of KVK, Imphal East Dr Y Prabhabati Devi among others.

The campaign was also launched by KVK, Tamenglong, at its campus in Tupul, Noney district.

The launch featured a flag-off ceremony for three teams comprising ICAR/CAU scientists and KVK subject matter specialists.

According to head of KVK, Tamenglong, Dr H Lembisana Devi, the campaign aims to reach around 900 farmers daily across Noney and Tamenglong districts, targeting nine villages per day.

The programme focuses on disseminating modern agricultural practices and address -ing local farming challenges through scientific solutions.

The campaign was also flagged off in Senapati district by KVK, Senapati at its campus as part of the nationwide pre-Kharif initiative.

BJP ST Morcha national spokesperson KS Khaie Leo, officiated the event in the presence of BJP ST Morcha former state general secretary (Adm) Vino K Samuel and others.

The KVK plans to cover both Senapati and Kangpokpi districts during the campaign period, reaching over 10,000 farmers.

The campaign teams will interact With farmers and offer on-the-spot solutions to field-level problems.

Awareness will also be created on relevant government schemes and inputs will be distributed based on local needs, according to a release issued by the senior scientist and head of KVK Senapati.

In Chandel district, the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan was flagged off from the mini secretariat complex.

As a part of the launch event, KVK Chandel conducted awareness programmes at Riverlane, Lambung and Japhou.

According to KVK officials, five teams have been formed, each comprising staff from KVK, ICAR, CAU and line departments.

Three teams would be conducting daily outreach activities across the district, aiming to collect data from around 300 farmers per day, with coverage planned for 90 villages.

The initiative is being led by SMS Agronomy Dr Khomlo Levis Chongloi, SMS Agricultural Engineering Dr Aheibam Sonamani, SMS Plant "Breeding Ts Leenda Monsang and SMS Horticulture Ps Lavid Anal, along with KVK Chandel staff.

In Churachandpur, ICAR-KVK launched the campaign as part of the 'Bharat Krishi-Jagran Yatra: Anusandhan Kisan ke Dwar', with the objective to familiarise farmers with new crop varieties and improved Kharif technologies.

Senior scientist and head of KVK Churachandpur Dr Manoj Kumar Pandey underlined the campaign's goal to, reach 1.5 crore farmers nationwide, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Lab to Land" vision.

Staff from ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, KVK Churachandpur and line departments attended the programme.

Agricultural inputs like water pumps and sprinkler sets were also distributed under the PMKSY scheme.

In Bishnupur district too, the campaign was launched by KVK, Bishnupur targeting 15,000 farmers in 108 villages across the district.

KVK, Bishnupur chairman former union minister Th Chaoba flagged off campaign vehicles from KVK, Utlou.