HT Bureau
NAMSAI, June 3: The nationwide pre-Kharif campaign “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” (VKSA) entered its sixth day with a series of impactful programs held across various locations in Kherem, Adi Ningroo, and New Mohong, situated in the Chowkham, Namsai, and Lekang blocks of Namsai district. The events were aimed at sensitizing farmers on the adoption of scientific agricultural practices, promoting sustainable farming systems, and creating awareness about government schemes available for farmers’ welfare.
At Kherem, the program was graced by Shri C.R. Khampa, Deputy Commissioner of Namsai, who addressed the gathering with a motivational message urging farmers to shift from traditional to modern and scientific farming practices. Emphasizing the importance of innovation in agriculture, he encouraged farmers to embrace sustainable methods that not only enhance productivity but also ensure long-term ecological balance. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the farming community through technology, training, and timely support.
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Simultaneously, in Adi Ningroo, the program was presided over by the District Planning Officer (DPO), Namsai, who highlighted the multitude of schemes and subsidies currently being implemented by the state and central governments. He urged the farmers to actively participate in government schemes, adopt integrated farming practices, and aim for self-reliant and resilient agricultural livelihoods. He pointed out that income security in agriculture today requires diversification, value addition, and a holistic approach to farming.
At New Mohong, the campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from the farming community. Dr. Theja Angami, Scientist from ICAR–AP Centre, Basar, played a pivotal role in guiding farmers toward modern practices in scientific vegetable cultivation. He introduced farmers to low-cost polyhouse technologies, which can significantly improve yield, especially in off-season vegetable production. Dr. Angami also educated farmers on the importance of plant spacing and encouraged the adoption of intercropping systems, particularly in arecanut plantations, for enhanced land use efficiency and income diversification.
A dedicated farmer–scientist interaction session at the New Mohong venue provided a platform for open dialogue. Farmers raised practical queries, especially regarding arecanut planting methods, to which the experts responded with detailed and field-tested guidance. The interaction was well-received and reflected the farmers’ growing interest in adopting research-backed solutions.
The program at New Mohong also featured insightful inputs from the District Horticulture Officer (DHO), who cautioned against the use of glyphosate in plantation crops, citing its harmful effects on both crops and the environment. He instead promoted the use of appropriate farm implements to encourage safe, sustainable, and mechanized agriculture practices in the region.
Experts from KVK Namsai, including Dr. Utpal Barua, Senior Scientist and Head, along with Dr. Madhumita Sonowal Bora, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), and K. Nithinkumar, SMS (Agronomy), shared extensive knowledge on scientific cultivation practices of paddy and maize, which form the staple crops in the region. The team emphasized organic and natural farming methods, urging farmers to diversify crops and integrate livestock and horticulture into their systems for better economic returns and environmental health.
The KVK team further advocated for natural resource conservation, underscoring it as a non-negotiable principle for achieving long-term agricultural sustainability. Their address focused on making farming economically viable without compromising soil health, water resources, and biodiversity.
Additionally, representatives from the State Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, and Veterinary also participated in the campaign. They delivered briefings on a wide array of centrally and state-sponsored schemes, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving rural livelihoods. Farmers were encouraged to avail the financial incentives, inputs, and training opportunities provided under these schemes, which include support for seeds, equipment, irrigation, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
The programme concluded with the playing of the VKSA theme song, resonating with a strong message of unity and collective effort in achieving agricultural progress and a Viksit Bharat. The theme underscored the need for collaboration among farmers, scientists, and government officials to build a future-ready, prosperous agricultural sector in the country.
As the campaign moves forward, the momentum generated in Namsai is expected to fuel greater awareness and adoption of progressive farming practices across the region, fulfilling the core vision of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan — to empower farmers, promote innovation, and pave the way for a developed and self-reliant agricultural India.
