Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) of ICAR addressing special session of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan campaign at Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute here.
The Central government is committed to enhance farmers’ income by increasing production across crops in agriculture and allied sectors, Raghavendra Bhatta, Deputy Director General (Animal Science) of ICAR has said.
The ongoing ‘lab to land’ initiative under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan would significantly enhance productivity in the coming seasons. A substantial rise in output is expected across crops, animal husbandry and fisheries, he said.
He was speaking at a special session of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) campaign at ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) here on Wednesday.
Bhatta, who is the VKSA coordinator for Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep, said technological innovations and scientific solutions being introduced among the farming community across 700 districts in the country would play a crucial role in transforming India’s agricultural landscape.
Under this initiative, scientists and experts from research institutions and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are engaging directly with farmers, understanding their issues, and offering on-site solutions. This landmark initiative will pave the way for wide-spread adoption of advanced farming techniques, refining farming practices and efficient resource management, ultimately leading to a quality production across crops, he said.
Manifold impact
By integrating scientific innovations with indigenous farming knowledge, the VKSA is projected to have a manifold impact on the country’s agriculture and allied sectors in increasing crop yields, enhancing livestock and dairy productivity and boosting aquaculture output. With scientists working closely with farming communities, the government anticipates a measurable rise in income levels and overall rural prosperity, he added.
Scientists and experts from 113 ICAR institutes and 731 KVKs, officials from State- level departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, as well as innovative farmers are part of this campaign. CMFRI scientists are participating in the initiative, by utilising this opportunity to popularise its cutting technologies in cage fish farming, marine ornamental fish faring, seaweed cultivation, etc.
Bhatta also distributed fishing materials including cast net, life jacket, rain coat, head light and tarpaulin sheets to 80 Scheduled Tribe farmers.
CMFRI Director Grinson George presided over the function.
Published on June 4, 2025