WED observed; farmers empowered under VKSA
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 06 2025:
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the state intensified their outreach initiative under the ongoing nationwide Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025, as they marked the World Environment Day on Friday with plantation drives to promote environmental conservation.
The campaign, launched on May 29 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, aims to prepare farmers for the upcoming Kharif season by disseminating scientific knowledge, promoting sustainable practices, and connecting them with government schemes.
VKSA, which will continue till June 12, aims to cover over 1.3 crore farmers across 65,000 villages in the country.
In Senapati district, KVK Senapati observed World Environment Day in collaboration with Mustard Seed Foundation under the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution" .
Around 100 saplings, including fruit-bearing trees, were planted in Thingbongjang village.
The centre also continued its VKSA activities, which have so far reached 60 villages and benefited 3,631 farmers through farmers-scientists interactions, demonstrations, and the distribution of technical handbooks and agricultural inputs.
The programme was supported by Central Agricultural University (CAU), ICAR-Manipur Centre, and various line departments.
Similarly, KVK Churachandpur marked World Environment Day under the national theme "Ek Per Maa Ke Naam" by planting 50 saplings across nine villages.
Despite the challenging weather and ongoing flood situation, the district has already covered 72 villages and 9,012 farmers under VKSA.
Experts dwelt on topics ranging from soil health and climate-resilient farming to animal feed management and integrated farming systems.
The campaign was led by senior scientist and head of KVK Churachandpur Dr Manoj Kumar Pandey with support from ICAR, CAU, and the district's line departments.
In Ukhrul and Kamjong districts, KVK Ukhrul conducted awareness programmes and distributed inputs such as fish seed, vegetable seeds, farming calendars, and insect traps to over 900 farmers in a single day.
Partnering with industry, the centre facilitated distribution of seed treatment product "Rice Care" by Green Biotech, Imphal.
Senior Scientist and head of KVK Ukhrul Dr Soibam Khogen Singh encouraged farmer participation in interaction programmes aimed at identifying field-level challenges, which will guide future research.
A plantation drive was also held in collaboration with village authorities to mark World Environment Day.
Head of ICAR Manipur Centre and state nodal officer for VKSA campaign Dr Ch Basudha Devi underscored the need for field-based problem assessment and continued institutional support for sustainable agriculture in the state.
VKSA campaign is also underway in Chandel district, with the formal launch event held in the presence of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel officials and various line departments.
Since its initiation, the campaign has covered 72 villages, including tribal settlements in neighbouring Tengnoupal district, reaching over 2,690 farmers.
Despite challenges due to heavy rainfall, campaign teams remain committed with the outreach being executed with support from ICAR-KVK, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Central Agricultural University, Imphal and line departments.
The campaign includes soil health awareness, modern practices for Kharif crops and soil and water conservation for sustainable resource use.
Farmers are being introduced to climate-resilient technologies, natural farming methods and organic inputs.
Composite fish culture is being promoted for income diversification, alongside off-season vegetable farming to enhance food security.
Other key components include vermicomposting, Integrated Farming Systems (IPS) and Resource Conservation Technologies (RCTs) to boost efficiency and reduce costs.
Livestock farmers are receiving guidance on animal feed and health, while information on government schemes is also being widely shared.
The campaign in the district will continue till June 12 .
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